By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
Mayor Nancy R. Rossi has announced the city’s participation in the 12th annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27.
Nov. 27 also marks the lighting of West Haven’s Christmas tree on the Green. The Yuletide event attracts hundreds of people each year, many of whom Rossi hopes take advantage of sales at downtown specialty shops.
Small Business Saturday falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It is a day to support the small, independently owned businesses that help create jobs, boost the economy and keep communities thriving across the country.
“I encourage everyone to patronize our local businesses on Small Business Saturday,” Rossi said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and need our support more than ever.”
Small Business Saturday was established by American Express in 2010 in response to the most pressing need of small-business owners — more customers — and has served as the ceremonial kickoff to the holiday shopping season for small businesses ever since.
According to AmEx, U.S. shoppers reported spending a record $19.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday in 2020.
Similar to last year, the Small Business Saturday Coalition, led by Women Impacting Public Policy, a nonpartisan small-business advocate known as WIPP, is rallying mayors nationwide to encourage local consumers to shop small on Nov. 27.
“Some of our small businesses are still trying to bounce back from the pandemic and now supply chain issues,” Rossi said. “Please consider doing your holiday shopping locally — and don’t forget, gift certificates make some of the greatest gifts.”
In recognizing the importance of supporting independently owned businesses, Rossi has issued a Small Business Saturday proclamation declaring the special observance in West Haven.
Read the proclamation at https://www.cityofwesthaven.com/DocumentCenter/View/3914/Proclamation-2021-Small-Business-Saturday-Electronic-PDF.
Merchants and consumers can learn more about Small Business Saturday, including how to participate, at https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/.