Merchants around southeastern Minnesota are hoping for a good turnout next weekend for what's being called "Small Business Saturday."
The day after Thanksgiving has come to be known as "Black Friday," because it's the traditional start to the holiday shopping season and the day when many retailers get into the black — making a profit — for the year.
Now the National Federation of Independent Business is among the groups hoping that after mobbing the malls on Friday, shoppers will turn their attention to Main Street on Saturday. Special deals are being offered by the shops and by sponsor American Express.
Supporters say the smaller merchants in the state's downtowns who often take a big role in supporting school and civic events.
"It's great to have a day dedicated to the success of local businesses and it's even better to think this effort could help lead to the continued prosperity of small businesses in the years to come," said Dana Badgerow, President and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. "We'd like to encourage consumers to participate by supporting locally-owned businesses in their communities."
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As part of Small Business Saturday, American Express is giving a $25 statement credit to American Express card members who spend $25 or more on Small Business Saturday at a qualifying small brick-and-mortar, independent merchant that accepts American Express cards. You must register to receive the credit, and terms and conditions apply. Registration is available at www.facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday.
Plenty of small businesses in the Rochester area are offering their own specials, too. Kismet is offering shoppers on Saturday a $5 Kismet Fun Bucks Coupon for every $50 spent in the store.
Free marketing tools to help small business owners promote their businesses are also available at www.facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday. Visit smallbusinesssaturday.com for more information on Small Business Saturday,
