BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Small Business Saturday UK, now in its seventh year, is returning on 7th December.
It aims to encourage consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.
An estimated £812 million was spent in small businesses across the UK on 2018’s Small Business Saturday, according to research commissioned by founder and principal supporter American Express. This was up from the £748 million spent on Small Business Saturday the year before, with 59% of people aware of the day saying they spent more than usual.
“It’s been great to watch the campaign grow over the years and we appreciate the support the Federation of Small Businesses gives too,” says Mandy J Cairns Ford from Belhaven Bikes. “A particular highlight for us was when we were chosen as a Small Biz 100 winner in 2017.
“The ideas which underpin the campaign are based around aspects such as when you shop small, the money you spend has far-reaching effects across the local community.
“It’s an opportunity for people to demonstrate support for the valuable role small businesses play in the economy and communities while discovering the diverse range of small businesses, including IBDs, by shopping local on Small Business Saturday and then throughout the year.
“Cake always features on our #smallbizsatuk … so there will be cupcakes in-store! The day provides a brilliant opportunity for us to chat with our customers about some of our Christmas offers, like our ‘Shop Local’ Prize Draw, Christmas Gift Packs and new digital Gifting Options.
“E-bike test rides are available and an opportunity for customers to receive free bike lights and a lock with any new bike purchase throughout December – Merry Christmas!”
Small Business Saturday also drew high engagement on social media. Tweets sent on the day reached more than 100 million people, with #SmallBizSatUK and #SmallBusinessSaturday trending in the UK’s top five throughout the day.
