Most bargain shoppers are familiar with Black Friday and Cyber Monday but are you a Small Business Saturday Shopper? The Saturday after Thanksgiving is designated as Small Business Saturday,  a day on which to support the small businesses that make up the backbone of communities across America.

This year the Vinton County Chamber of Commerce and the Vinton County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (CVB) encourages local shoppers to take advantage of some of the deals, the great customer service and unique products available in shops and small stores across Vinton County. Vinton County Marketing Director Brandi Betts said that Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010 to invigorate local economies and to help small businesses thrive.

Last year over 100 million people came out to shop at independently owned small businesses on this day.

Betts said this project has been embraced by small businesses and shoppers across the country as well as other organizations dedicated to helping the nation’s brick and mortar stores. According to statistics released by the 3/50 project, for every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. Shoppers who spend that $100 in a national chain see only $43 stay in the community and shoppers who spend their money online sees none of that money stay in the community, according to the 3/50 Project.

“We have a number of shops that sell terrific products that would make great gifts. We hope that after you eat your turkey and go out for Black Friday bargains at the mall you will squirrel away some money to spend in our community here. I promise you will find things not available in malls,” Betts said. “The shop owners offer good quality products and outstanding customer service. Our economy needs the boost this holiday season and we really hope to see a lot of people out and about this Saturday.”

Hear Betts talk about Small Business Saturday in an “Experiencing Vinton County” podcast by clicking here.

For a list of CVB member shops, visit www.visitvintoncounty.org or call the Vinton County Visitors’ Center at 596-5033 for information. For more information on Small Business Saturday, visit www.americanexpress.com.

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