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News from Seattle's Office of Economic Development

Shop local resonates with consumers – Small Business Saturday, November 26

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According to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Pulse from American Express OPEN, consumers are realizing the value that small businesses bring to their communities and the economy, thanks in part to initiatives like Small Business Saturday — a day to support the small, independently-owned businesses we can’t live without.

If you’re a small business and would like to particpate in this event, visit facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday for information on free tools to promote your business. Resources include in-store signage, e-marketing materials, free facebook ads, and more. 

According to the survey based on July 2011 data, 93 percent of respondents said they believed it’s important for people to support the small businesses they value in their community. Additionally, 87 percent responded that small business success is a critical element of overall U.S. economic health.

Despite consumer support, the recent economic hurdles have sunk small business owners’ optimism towards the economy. Yet, business owners are not alone in their pessimism: Almost half of consumers (46 percent) believe that the strength of the small business economy is worse than five years ago, while 10 percent believe that it is much worse.

The study also demonstrates that consumers are putting their money where their mouths are when it comes to spending at local small businesses. On average, 33 percent of their monthly discretionary spending is spent at locally-owned, independent businesses, with just over $100 per month spent at their favorite store.

More than a hundred advocacy, public and private organizations are joining American Express OPEN in declaring the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 26, 2011, as Small Business Saturday.

In Seattle, check out some of the local, independently-owned businesses in your neighborhood at onlyinseattle.org. Like us on facebook.com/onlyinseattle and follow us at twitter.com/onlyseattlegems.

For key findings from the survey, download the American Express OPEN Small Business Saturday Consumer Pulse Fact Sheet.