As soon as the festive season begins, we rush to the big chain stores to buy one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on our list and stock up on holiday decor. If big mall crowds stress you out and buying generic presents doesn’t quite thrill you, why not check out Small Business Saturday?
Introduced in 2010, Small Business Saturday is a one-day annual event that takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States. This year, it falls on November 30th. That’s right after Black Friday and just before Cyber Monday, giving you the perfect chance to buy unique gifts and enjoy festive vibes, all while supporting local businesses that rely on holiday sales to drive profit.
Pre-Small Business Saturday Prep: Get Ready to Shop Local
Holiday retail therapy is fun, but when you’re using a wheelchair or other mobility device, navigating narrow aisles, reaching those top-shelf items, or waiting in long lines at the cash register can become a challenge. To avoid frustration, keep the following tips in mind while holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday:
Scout Your Local Business
Exploring the bustling streets on Small Business Saturday can be overwhelming — especially if you’re new to the area. Instead of driving aimlessly, look up local business associations or chambers of commerce to find comprehensive lists of participating local small businesses.
Once you have a list, use online directories or websites like Google Maps and TripAdvisor to pinpoint the exact location and read reviews to see what tickles your fancy. Many businesses now have social media pages where you can see photos of the inside of the shop. This gives you a heads-up on any potential obstacles. Ideally, it should have wide aisles with easily reachable merchandise, spacious checkout lanes, and wide doorways with flat entryways or ramps.
Places like Holland, Grand Haven, and Kalamazoo, MI, have charming downtowns filled with quirky boutiques, cozy cafes, and craft shops. If you plan on visiting different areas during the Small Business Saturday event, bring a small map to visit multiple stores with minimal backtracking.
Create a Small Business Saturday Shopping List
Sure, those cute cat calendars might be tempting, but do you really need five of them? Absolutely not! For this reason, make sure to create a list to avoid impulse buys and going back and forth to the same store. Separate your needs and wants to stay within your budget.
Also, consider upcoming holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. Grandma’s birthday in February? Handcrafted soaps from the local artisan shop are perfect. Christmas gift for your work bestie? Buy that quirky mug that you may not find in those big box stores. A well-thought-out gift bought today could save you from the inevitable last-minute rush later.
Set a Small Business Saturday Budget
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and spend like there’s no tomorrow. However, it’s equally important to keep your spending in check so you don’t have to deal with buyer’s remorse.
Decide how much you can afford to spend and stick to it. Divide your budget into categories — gifts, personal splurges, and maybe a little extra for that irresistible find. This fund allocation will help you keep track of your spending and ensure you don’t go overboard.
You should also find your favorite local businesses on social media and look for early bird discounts, doorbusters, or any other promotions to save further.
Spread the Small Business Saturday Love
Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. You can ask your family and friends to join you on your shopping spree. Not only will they add to the overall enjoyment, but they will also help generate revenue for small businesses, which allows them to thrive and grow.
If you have a public Instagram or X account, share event details, post about your favorite local shops, and use hashtags like #ShopSmall or #SmallBusinessSaturday to reach a wider audience.
If you want to support small businesses beyond purchases, write a detailed online review about your experience. You can discuss the quality of products, customer service, the store’s atmosphere, and other details that highlight what makes the business special. Later, thank the business owner for their contribution to the community. Your enthusiasm and positive reviews will motivate others to explore these local gems and shop small during the holiday shopping rush.
Shopping locally isn’t just for the holidays; it can be the first step in supporting your community all year long. It keeps money in the local economy, creates jobs, and offers unique products you won’t find in big chain stores.
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Pack for a Successful Small Business Saturday
While staying organized can help streamline your Small Business Saturday shopping experience, it’s important to pack supplies to avoid any hassle:
- An extendable grasping tool features a suction cup or claws, perfect for grabbing those high-up or low-down must-haves without stretching or bending.
- Portable phone holders can be attached to your wheelchair or cart, making it easy to access your shopping list or create an awesome Small Business Saturday vlog without constantly carrying your phone.
- An extendable mirror can let you scope out items or check price tags without asking for assistance.
- Not all stores are perfectly accessible, but that shouldn’t stop you. Bring your own portable ramp or rent one for the day from Clock Mobility.
- Most shops will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Small Business Saturday. If you plan to spend the whole day shopping, consider bringing a gel cushion to sit on. It will not only add to comfort but also provide lumbar support that will prevent sore spots and muscle cramps after sitting for too long.
- While there might be tempting street food and cafe options to whet your appetite, you should consider bringing your own snacks and water. This can be especially helpful if you’re lactose intolerant, gluten-sensitive, or have other dietary restrictions.
Small Business Saturday Logistics for Shoppers
Since Small Business Saturday is a one-day event, many people will be visiting for the best deals on groceries and gifts. While this is fantastic for local businesses, it also means packed streets, limited-to-no parking spaces, and potential traffic headaches.
If you don’t want to spend half your day stuck in the car, consider hopping on public transit like buses, trains, and even holiday trolleys. Not only does it help you dodge traffic, but it also gives you a chance to relax, listen to your current jam, or even review that shopping list one more time.
Alternatively, you can use an electric scooter to reach your destination. Featuring a sturdy design, these mobility scooters have roomy seats, adjustable headrests, flip-up arms, and larger wheels to go over uneven surfaces without losing speed or control.
If you have friends or family heading to the same event, why not carpool together? This will help you split parking fees, reduce your carbon footprint, and execute a game plan for shopping day.
Secure Your Ride with Clock Mobility
If you can’t carpool with your friends in a conventional car or public transport isn’t an accessible option, consider renting a wheelchair-accessible vehicle from Clock Mobility to ease transportation woes during Small Business Saturday.
With Clock Mobility, you can choose from a fleet of well-maintained, spacious, and fully ADA-compliant vehicles for a smooth and comfortable ride. We offer flexible rental periods and convenient pickup and drop-off locations to fit your schedule perfectly. Plus, our friendly team is always ready to assist you with any questions or concerns. For more information about our rental vehicles, call us at (866) 380-3326 or visit one of our locations in Michigan.