What is Small Business Saturday?
In 2010, American Express and The National Trust for Historic Preservation began a partnership to take on the battle small business owners had been facing since the great recession: get new and more customers to their businesses so they can stay open.
As a way to attract customers and to remind shoppers during the holiday season to spend locally and at small businesses, Small Business Saturday was established. Small Business Saturday gives businesses a chance to showcase their unique products as well as remind customers why their success is important to the local economy.
When is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday always lands on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
As Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest shopping weekend of the year, due to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, having Small Business Saturday in between the biggest shopping days of the year reminds shoppers to consider supporting local and small businesses during the holidays.
Small Business Saturday in Hawaiʻi
More than ever, it’s important to shop on or share information regarding Small Business Saturday. Across the United States, small businesses struggle to get by in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Small businesses often lean on foot traffic to bring in customers as their marketing efforts and online presence are often more restricted due to having less resources and being forced to compete with larger companies.
While businesses hoped for increased foot traffic, many continue to face challenges in attracting customers. As small businesses work to build momentum, foot traffic remains down while consumers are spending more carefully.
Small businesses in Hawaiʻi have especially struggled as the tourism industry that brings in millions of customers every year has experienced significant fluctuations. If you’re looking to find small businesses in Hawaii to support, Shop Small Hawaii is focused on bringing attention to Hawaiʻi’s small business community.
Other ways to support small businesses
Besides spending money at small businesses, writing reviews, recommending to friends and family, as well as sharing their social media posts help give local, small businesses a way to grow their reach within their limited resources.
Keep an eye out for the popular hashtag, #smallbusinesssaturday. This is how small businesses are able to promote their products and services as well as any specials they’re offering.
While Small Business Saturday is often focused on shopping, small businesses also include places like restaurants, service companies, entertainment, farmers markets, and much more.
Some of our favorite small businesses
- Shop authentic Hawaiian clothing and fabrics at Muumuu Mall.
- Find your healing place with crystals and essential oils from Moana Crystals or body products and candles from Moana Soap.
- Stop by LC Creations, Pure Stone, Maxi, and WAHING Jewelry to add some fashionable accessories to any outfit.
- Take a piece of Hawaiʻi home with souvenirs from Gold N Gifts, Honolulu Souvenirs, or Royal Hawaiian Cookie.
- Feeling hungry? Grab a quick, delicious bite to eat at Royal Lobster, Kai Coffee Hawaiʻi, Sam’s Kitchen, Big Island Burger, Aloha Hot Dog and Banh Mi, or Maguro Brothers.
- Craving something more filling? Head to ʻIʻO Waikiki Korean BBQ Restaurant for all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ.
- For a sit-down meal, enjoy the finest Italian-Mediterranean cuisine at Botanico Waikiki, or dinner with a show at Tanaka of Tokyo.
- Get outside and enjoy a rooftop dinner at Búho cocina y cantina or SKY Waikiki.
- Finish off with a tasty dessert from Waffle and Berry or Haleiwa Town Shave Ice.
To find more small businesses and other places to shop during the holiday season, check out the list of best places to shop in Waikīkī!