November 1 kicked off the annual holiday shopping season, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). It runs through Dec. 31. The NRF predicts retail sales growth of 2.5% and 3.5% over 2023.
The North Augusta Chamber of Commerce wants shoppers to remember locally-owned businesses for holiday shopping. The Chamber launched its Fourth Annual Small Business Season to raise the profile of the unique offerings at small businesses.
“Some of my most favorite memories are of celebrating the holidays and the traditions my family holds dear. Many of those revolve around visiting favorite businesses and the joyful atmosphere of the town’s decorations,” Terra Carroll, President of the North Augusta Chamber, said in a news release. “By supporting our local businesses, we’re investing in the heart of North Augusta and creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.”
North Augusta City Council joined the call to shop small, issuing a proclamation at Monday night’s meeting designating Nov. 30 as Small Business Saturday.
“WHEREAS, small businesses form the backbone of our local economy, generating jobs and improving the quality of life for citizens; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council of North Augusta, South Carolina acknowledge and celebrate the City’s small businesses and the contributions they make to our community” read the proclamation in part.
Ralph Porter of the Rhodes Porter Group, and Chairman of the Business Development Council of the North Augusta Chamber, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Chamber.
“Small Business Saturday is a way the community can come out and support and purchase things as gifts, to show support for the community, for the small businesses, how valuable that these businesses are to us, to the community,” he told ABD.
The Chamber’s news release points out that money spent at small businesses stays in the community. For every $100 spent locally, $68 stays in the community. The money supports local job growth and community services.
Citing a Yahoo Finance report, North Augusta Chamber Board Chair, Becky Dearden said, “Small businesses employ 46% of the private sector workforce and that number is expected to grow as an estimated 62% of Millennials and 75% of Gen Z want to start their own businesses. If we don’t support new small businesses, young people will go elsewhere to explore their dreams.”
This marks the 15th year for Small Business Saturday, an initiative started by American Express to celebrate and support small businesses. The event is now cosponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The 2023 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights survey, commissioned by American Express, found consumers spent approximately $17 billion at independent retailers and restaurants.
The North Augusta Chamber will hold a Small Business Saturday Pop-Up on Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. It will be at the North Augusta Community Center at 495 Brookside Ave. The Chamber is currently accepting applications from small businesses wishing to participate at www.northaugustachamber.org
“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Small Business Season and rediscovering the joy of shopping local,” said Carroll. “Let’s make this holiday season one to remember by visiting the businesses that make our community so special.”
