Let me state the obvious: Covid-19 pandemic has forever changed our world. While mask-wearing, working from home, and attending school virtually have all become the norm, the pandemic has also totally upended the hospitality and shopping industry, with small businesses being hit rather hard. A recent survey by the the Society for Human Resource Management revealed that more than 60% of small businesses experienced revenue losses due to the coronavirus. What's more, 23% of small businesses have permanently shuttered between March and September of this year, according to Yelp.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be a chance to snag some insane deals on your favorite brands and from big box retailers—like Amazon and Walmart—but you might also want to consider supporting small businesses this weekend. And what better way to spend your Thanksgiving food coma (yep, I'm still struggling even today), than perched on your couch and doing some early holiday shopping for all your loved ones? Not only will you be helping out artisans and craftsmen, but you'll also be investing in unique gifts, handmade goods, and personalized items that feel special and one-of-a-kind.
What Is Small Business Saturday?
ICYMI, Small Business Saturday is a shopping holiday that was launched by American Express on November 27, 2010 in the United States. Each year, it's held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so it falls anywhere between November 24 and November 30—and also during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. In contrast to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday encourages shoppers to support small and local brick and mortar businesses and individual sellers online. Also great: Some small businesses make charitable donations for each purchase, so you can feel ~extra~ good about where your money is going.
22 Small Businesses to Show Some Love to This Weekend
With so many amazing small businesses out there, hunting down the perfect gifts for family, friends, and even pets can become overwhelming. Where do you start? Luckily, we've compiled a guide to some of the best wellness, skincare, fashion, and home picks from small businesses. Grab your credit card—and ready, set, scroll.
