Described by Forbes as playing hide-and-go-seek between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is arguably one of the most important shopping days of the year. The concept, originally developed by American Express to encourage shopping in smaller, local shops for holiday gifts, is not lost on Truckee/Tahoe business associations.
Nationally, the trend is growing exponentially with Forbes reporting the popularity of the shopping holiday having increased 14 percent from 2014 to 2015, reaching $16.2 billion in sales nationwide. Locally, I’d like to think we were in tune to this concept well before it became a thing, but, just in case, here’s a reminder how we can do our part, as members of a small community, to support our own — our neighbors, our friends, our community members.
In Tahoe City, this day-o-shopping takes the pseudonym Holiday Hop and shoppers are invited to browse (and buy) while enjoying wine, snacks, and cheer among participating Tahoe City businesses.
Similarly, the North Lake Tahoe Business Association, Town of Truckee, Squaw Valley Business Association, and Incline Community Business Association are also pushing Small Business Saturday, encouraging residents to shop locally on this day (and every day, for that matter).
Cumulatively, the associations listed above participate in Shop North Tahoe Truckee’s annual contest, spanning from Black Friday to Christmas Eve, encouraging folks to shop locally by offering enticing prizes. The gist of the contest is this: When you make a purchase at a participating retailer you get a sticker for every $25 spent. Shoppers with 12 stickers will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a North Lake Tahoe staycation including lodging, dining, and activity(ies) valued at $1,500. Shoppers with four stickers will be entered into a drawing for a $500 cash prize. In 2014, the contest generated $400,000 for the local economy, and reduced the carbon footprint of traveling outside our community to shop.
If the idea of supporting local businesses isn’t enough to persuade you to shop locally this Nov. 26, think about the decision in terms of a nice, mature game of Would-You-Rather. Would you rather wait in line the day after Thanksgiving with your stretch pants and a hangover at Walmart, or would you prefer to casually walk around one of Tahoe/Truckee’s downtown drags, sipping wine, and running into friends all while getting a head start on your shopping? The choice is yours.
