The holiday shopping season has officially begun, and with the rise of online shopping, small businesses are feeling the pressure. This is where Small Business Saturday comes in, a movement that was started 15 years ago to support local shops and businesses.
According to Adobe, people are expected to spend nearly $11 billion on November 30th and December 1st this year. However, most of this spending will go to big retailers and online sellers, leaving local small businesses at a disadvantage.
In downtown Austin, shoppers are recognizing the importance of supporting local businesses. One shopper mentioned, “It does help support local and it’s a good idea if you have gifts you need to buy.”
Donika Toncheva, the marketing manager for Austin’s 2nd Street District, highlighted the significance of Small Business Saturday for small businesses. She mentioned that it allows them to combine forces and compete with larger retailers.
On Small Business Saturday, the 2nd Street District was bustling with activity as people sought out unique and special gifts while also supporting local businesses. However, attracting customers to physical stores can be challenging with the convenience of online shopping.
Many stores, like ATown, had to get creative to draw in foot traffic. For example, ATown offered a free gift with each purchase to entice customers to shop in-store.
Despite the growing trend of mobile shopping, the experience of shopping in a physical store remains unmatched. Donika Toncheva emphasized the importance of providing a unique and special experience for customers to make it worth their while.
As online shopping continues to surge, small businesses are encouraged to enhance both their online and in-store experiences to cater to a wider audience. By adapting to the changing landscape of retail, small businesses can stay competitive and thrive in a digital world. This holiday season, consider supporting local shops and businesses on Small Business Saturday to make a difference in your community.
