Retailers have provided a mixed forecast for the forthcoming Small Business Saturday, with only some anticipating an uplift in sales.
The non-commercial annual event, which began in 2013, falls on December 5 this year and encourages customers to support small businesses in their community.
Among those taking part, is Trudy Davies of Woosnam & Davies News in Llanidloes. She estimates that last year she saw an uplift in sales of 15%.
“The feel-good factor in the community was great, and it brought in new customers. It was hard work, but well worth it,” she added.
Among many offers displayed in store Davies also created goodie bags for customers which she filled with discounts from local businesses, such as taxi firms and coffee shops.
Christine Hope of Hopes of Longtown in Herefordshire said she was planning to offer 10% off local products on the day.
“The feel-good factor in the community was great, and it brought in new customers. It was hard work, but well worth it”
However, Bintesh Amin of Blean Village Londis in Canterbury said although he was supportive of a day to celebrate small business, he hadn’t seen much benefit to his store.
He said: “Every day is Small Business Saturday to me because I’m promoting my business all year round. I did push the boat out in the first year, but I didn’t see much change. I’m going to continue doing what I’m doing.”
According to organisers, 42% of shoppers aware of the day who shopped in a local business on Small Business Saturday last year said they spent more than usual.
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