Small Business Saturday is fast approaching — your perfect opportunity to show appreciation for the local independent shops, cafés, markets, and service providers that help our communities thrive.
This year, Small Business Saturday falls on November 29, right after Thanksgiving.
This special day is part of an annual shopping and awareness campaign that encourages people to “Support the Brick & Mortar” by choosing independent businesses over big-box or online giants. Originally launched in the United States in 2010 by American Express, the movement has since gained momentum around the world.
Why Supporting Local Shops Matters
“Independent businesses bring personality, diversity, and heart to our towns. They offer personalized service, unique products, and are often deeply embedded in the local culture and economy.”
Here’s why shopping local makes a real difference:
• More Money Stays Local: Studies show that for every $1 spent at a local business, up to 68¢ stays in the community — compared to just 43¢ when spent at a chain store. This boosts the local economy and helps fund public services like schools, libraries, and parks.
• Local Jobs: Small businesses are significant job creators. Supporting them helps maintain and grow employment in your area.
• Environmental Impact: Shopping locally often reduces the need for long-distance transportation, cutting down on emissions and packaging waste.
• Community Investment: Local business owners are more likely to support local charities, sponsor community events, and invest in the well-being of the neighborhood.
• Unique Offerings: Independent shops often stock handmade, one-of-a-kind, or locally sourced goods you won’t find elsewhere — making your purchases more meaningful.
How to Support Local Businesses Year-Round
Here are practical and meaningful ways to support your local businesses — not just on Small Business Saturday, but all year long:
• Shop Local First: Before heading to a big-box store or ordering online, check out local shops and markets. Many local businesses now have websites or offer delivery/pickup services — use them.
• Dine at Locally Owned Restaurants: Choose local diners, cafés, food trucks, and restaurants over national chains. Tip generously and spread the word when you have a great experience.
• Buy Local for Gifts and Holidays: Birthdays, anniversaries, and the holiday season are perfect times to buy locally made or sourced products. Gift cards to local stores, salons, and eateries make excellent presents.
• Attend Local Events and Markets: Farmers markets, art fairs, craft shows, and pop-ups are perfect places to discover and support local entrepreneurs. These events often showcase new or growing businesses.
• Hire Local Services: From home repairs to graphic design, web development to tutoring — choose local contractors and freelancers whenever possible.
• Spread the Word: Leave positive reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Post about your favorite local spots on social media — tag them and share photos. Word-of-mouth referrals are still incredibly powerful.
• Take Local Classes and Workshops: Support local fitness studios, art centers, or educational spaces by attending workshops or signing up for lessons.
• Partner for Fundraisers or Events: Schools, nonprofits, and community groups can team up with local businesses for raffles, sponsorships, or awareness campaigns.
• Be Loyal, Not Just Seasonal: Don’t just shop locally during Small Business Saturday or the holidays. Make it a habit to return to your favorite spots throughout the year.
• Give Feedback & Be Patient: Local businesses often operate with smaller teams and tighter margins. Constructive feedback and patience go a long way — especially when supply chains or staffing are stretched.
What It Means to Business Owners
My City reached out to several local business owners and asked:
“What goes through your mind when a familiar face walks in to support your
business?”
Chip Beltinck, owner of Sawyer Jewelers in Fenton
“Absolute gratitude! Knowing I’ve earned someone’s loyalty through honesty and trust truly makes me smile — it’s like chocolate cake. Small businesses are the heartbeat of every town, providing shoppers with a meaningful experience. Don’t hit the button! When you shop online, you may gain convenience, but you lose the personal connection and memorable moments that come from real experiences. Small businesses help you create those moments, making lasting memories and your shopping experience meaningful.”
Karen Piacentini, owner of Fenton’s Open Book
“I’m very happy that they take the time to make their purchase or order from us and trust us to help find the right book recommendations for them. We try to have a safe and welcoming environment. They are like family. I appreciate that they want to support my store and not shop online.”
This Small Business Saturday, show your love. Shop small. Shop local.
Gretchen Giles, owner of JJ Cardinal’s Wild Bird & Nature Store in Grand Blanc
“The first thing is it makes me smile; it’s a pleasure to welcome back a familiar face. This lets me know that we did the right things on earlier visits to make them want to come back. I understand the economic and community benefits of supporting a local business. Though I believe it is our responsibility as business owners to earn that loyalty — it’s not a given. I believe people shop locally for the experience. Our repeat customers enjoy human contact — talking to a person who is interested in their needs and desires. That makes the transaction beneficial for both the customer and the business. We also enjoy the company of our customers. Here at JJ’s, I am never lonely.”
Ronny Medawar, owner of Medawar Jewelers
“When a familiar face walks into Medawar’s, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. It’s a reminder that trust is earned through every interaction. There’s also a quiet pride in knowing they’ve chosen to return because of the experience we’ve created together. At that moment, my focus shifts to making this visit even more meaningful than the last. Familiar faces remind me why we do what we do — and why we’ve dedicated ourselves to it for the past 105 years.”
David Gaines, president and owner of Gaines Jewelry, Inc.
“I always feel such gratitude to welcome a familiar face into our store! Our goal is to treat a guest in the store like a guest in our own home. There are so many choices today — it is such an honor when a patron comes back again and again. They really do become like family.”
Tiffany Stolzenfeld of SHIFT in Fenton
“When a familiar face walks into SHIFT, we are so excited to welcome them back into our store! We LOVE our SHIFT customers! Our SHIFT community is a special friendship that has been developing for over seven years. We are so grateful for the support and loyalty of our SHIFT family and are always super happy to welcome new friends. We are beyond blessed to serve fantastic women in the Genesee County community!”
Dick Skaff, owner of Skaff Furniture
“When a familiar face walks in, I get excited! Many times it’s a friend or acquaintance. I enjoy greeting them, asking how they’re doing, and simply catching up. I thank them for coming in and ask what they’re interested in and how we can help. We see a lot of returning customers, and it’s a pleasure to see them. It feels good to know they want to come back and see us for their home furnishings needs. It tells me they’ve had a good experience in the past. I enjoy building relationships with our customers, and they know I have their best interests at heart.”
**The ‘Guys’ — Matt, Andrew, Dylan, and Steven — at Michigan Lumber, said:
“Gratitude — a deep sense of appreciation. It’s meaningful when someone you know chooses to support you, even when they could’ve gone elsewhere — even if it costs a little more. Pride — there’s a surge of pride, both in our business and in the relationship built with that customer. Connection — it reminds us that our work isn’t just transactional; it’s personal and habit-forming. Motivation — seeing someone familiar can reignite your drive. It’s a reminder of who’s cheering you on, especially on tough days. Pressure — you might feel a bit of pressure to deliver your best, because it’s someone you know and respect.
Although our walk-in traffic has slowed overall, it’s still very affirming to see our ‘regulars’ come in and give us their business. It’s comforting to know we can count on them — and we are truly thankful for their loyalty.”
Karianne Martus of the Flint Farmers’ Market had just one word to describe how she feels when she sees familiar faces:
“Gratitude.”
Supporting small, locally owned businesses is more than a transaction — it’s a relationship. It keeps money in the community, creates jobs, and preserves the unique flavor of your town or city.
This Small Business Saturday, show your love. Shop small. Shop local. And support the brick-and-mortar businesses that make Mid-Michigan shine.