It’s time to think globally — and act locally — by observing Small Business Saturday in Chula Vista and throughout South Bay on Nov. 26.
Small Business Saturday is always celebrated on the weekend immediately following Thanksgiving.
The promotional-business holiday was first observed in Massachusetts in 2010 as a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But unlike its counterparts, which feature big-box retail and e-commerce, Small Business Saturday instead encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick-and-mortar businesses both small and local.
South Bay business associations are gearing up to participate in 2017’s business holiday honoring mom and pops.
“The National City Chamber of Commerce represents 566 local businesses, the backbone of our local and national economy,” said Jacqueline L. Reynoso, president/CEO of National City Chamber of Commerce. “We urge everyone to shop local to help support community development in our own communities and build sustainable cities that thrive from local investment.”
The National City Chamber’s positive view of Small Business Saturday was shared by the Third Avenue Village Association (TAVA) in Chula Vista.
“With the holidays upon us, shoppers can make their dollars go further in many ways by shopping small this season,” said Heather Marshall, TAVA communications manager. “Apart from supporting emerging businesses, obtaining truly unique gift items and avoiding hectic and overcrowded mass retailers, Chula Vista shoppers have the ability to make a difference in their own city.”
Marshall noted Small Business Saturday was an initiative started by American Express National City in 2010 in Roslindale Village, Mass. That first event featured a partnership between American Express and the nonprofit National Trust For Historic Preservation. It was promoted through a nationwide radio and television advertising campaign.
Noting Third Avenue Village is Chula Vista’s original neighborhood and “an excellent place to start if you are looking to keep it local,” TAVA’s Marshall added, “The majority of shops within this quaint business district are sole proprietors, giving you the opportunity to speak directly to the business owner by simply walking in the door.”
When residents shop within their own city, Marshall noted that “they help boost sales tax revenue that then funds initiatives where they live, rather than sending their money elsewhere. Start in Third Avenue Village this Saturday, Nov. 26 for Small Business Saturday and feel good by shopping small.”
