Small Business Saturday Is Coming!

We all know about Black Friday, the madhouse day of shopping after Thanksgiving, and Cyber Monday, the day when everyone goes on line to shop. But in between those two days is Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, a day for you to support the small stores and businesses in this area.

In some locations, there will be special events for customers who shop in their own downtowns. Some stores are holding sales or offering special services or treats.

The originator of Small Business Saturday is American Express, which is providing participating chambers of commerce with reusable canvas shopping bags and other swag that their members can then give to shoppers. Look for a logo that says “Shop Small” at those merchants who are participating.

Here is a round-up of some of the Small Business Saturday events on Nov. 26:

Nyack: Holiday shoppers and fun-seekers should check out the scene in Nyack this season as the village gears up for festive holiday celebrations, shopping and dining. Holiday gift hunters will find hundreds of ways to beat “mall monotony” in the village’s eclectic shops, Winter Farmers’ Market and Indoor Street Fair ― plus a rich array of casual eateries, pubs and fine restaurants for post-shopping refreshment. The annual Holiday Lights celebration adds sparkle, music and lots of fun for the kids. To make the holiday experience all the more pleasurable, free parking will be available throughout the village beginning on Black Friday and continues until year-end.

“Nyack has so much to offer as the holiday season gets under way — one-of- a-kind gifts, live entertainment, great food and places to relax and enjoy holiday cheer,” said Scott Baird, President of the Nyack Chamber.

The holiday shopping season officially kicks off this Saturday, November 26, with special “shop small” deals in local establishments, as well as “Small Business Saturday” rebates for American Express cardholders in participating stores. Cardholders who want to take advantage of the American Express program should register at www.shopsmall.com. Great offers from village shops continue throughout the season.

Ossining: Many member businesses signed up for the program with the Ossining Chamber of Commerce, according to John Girolamo, public relations director for the chamber. They will also have a welcome mat that says “Welcome to the Neighborhood.” The Mike Risko Music School will have a musical event in the store, he added.

Mount Kisco: The Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce is promoting Small Business Saturday early. They are listing participating businesses on the chamber’s website and will have students walking around town on the Wednesday giving away the reusable bags and the lists of the participating merchants, according to Gina Picinich, co-executive director of the chamber. “This is a chance to show your favorite shops how much you love them on Small Saturday and through the whole holiday season,” she said.

Katonah – The merchants and businesses of the Village of Katonah are participating in Small Business Saturday. On Saturday, Santa Claus will be coming! He will be at the Chase Bank from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.

Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County: The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is encouraging everyone to think local first for this holiday season. "Hudson Valley merchants offer gifts, décor, culinary creations, and more right here in our back yard,” according to the chamber’s website. “Best of all, by shopping local, tax dollars go back into the community. When the local economy is thriving, local organizations, government and the overall community are stronger and more vibrant, which is the principle behind Small Business Saturday.” You can see which merchants are participating here.

Kingston and Ulster County: The Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce is also giving its members the “Shop Small” bags and other materials. It has revved up its members for the holiday season with a breakfast and mixer.

Nanuet and New City: The chambers of commerce of Nanuet and New City have joined forces to help promote Small Business Sunday in their towns. Local chamber members will have the reusable tote bags for their customers. “We encourage Clarkstown residents to shop in all our downtown hamlet centers and support their local ‘mom and pop shops’ keeping our dollars in Clarkstown,” said Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann. “Our small businesses are the economic engine of our Town and I ask all residents to join me in supporting our local shop owners and our economy.”
Image via Katonah Chamber of Commerce