Local Stores, Shops Prepared for Small Business Saturday

The Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce encourages residents to help local businesses during Small Business Saturday Nov. 24.

Chamber President Marvin Bullock says the day highlights the area’s small businesses while bringing new shoppers to their stores.

“Small businesses account for the vast majority of the jobs in the area, so that’s a major plus,” Bullock says. “Most of the small businesses have very unique gifts. In the case of Sparta and White County… these are places people come to get Christmas gifts if they want something entirely unique.”

Bullock says although larger stores have their place in the communities, Small Business Saturday allows the local businessmen and women their chance to shine.

“Lots of sales tax comes in from both stores, but this provides an opportunity for the small businesses to get some recognition and hopefully attract a lot of people shopping for Christmas presents,” Bullock says. “If they’re looking for unique Christmas presents, it’s hard to beat going into some of the small shops.”

Small Business Saturday began in 2010 through American Express’s ‘Shop Small’ campaign. The United States Senate passed a resolution in 2011 recognizing the movement.

American Express reports consumers have spent approximately $85 billion since the holiday’s inception.