Today marks the eighth Small Business Saturday UK, a grassroots, non-commercial campaign celebrating small businesses and aims to encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support businesses in their communities.
As lockdown restrictions have now lifted to various extents across the country, allowing many shops to reopen, the campaign is urging the British public to shop small this Christmas.
From the high street to your local barbers, there are countless businesses that need support.
Small Business Saturday last year saw an estimated £800 million spent in small businesses by a record 17.6 million customers.
American Express is offering card members a £5 statement credit for every £10 or more they spend in a participating small business between 5 and 20 December.
The offer is valid for use up to 10 times, once per participating location, meaning shoppers can earn a total of £50 in statement credits.
Amex holders must enrol to take part in the offer, and can do this via the Amex mobile app. You can check which stores are taking part via the Shop Small Map.
British Independent Retailers Association chief executive Andrew Goodacre agreed. “The run-up to Christmas is an essential time for retail. Shopping is safe. All the evidence tells us that.
“Money spent locally is recycled locally, often paying for local suppliers, local people for their work and preserving local livelihoods. Every thriving community needs this local economy to prosper.”
A Small Business Saturday spokesman said: “The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.”
So, whether it’s a business that’s fully open, doing click and collect, or is restricted to a takeaway service, when doing shopping today please think Swindon first
