Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday is a shopping event that encourages people to support local businesses and independent retailers during the busy holiday shopping season. It takes place in the US every year on the Saturday after Black Friday and is part of the Thanksgiving weekend shopping events, alongside Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In the UK, the event takes place on the first Saturday of December. The day highlights the importance of shopping locally and supporting small businesses during one of the busiest retail periods of the year.
By following Black Friday, the event helps extend the Thanksgiving weekend shopping period that starts off the holiday shopping season while giving small businesses and local brands an opportunity to attract customers and promote their products.
Small Business Saturday 2026
Small Business Saturday takes place every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States, the day following Black Friday. In 2026, Small Business Saturday in the US falls on November 28. In the United Kingdom, the event is held on the first Saturday of December, meaning that Small Business Saturday UK 2026 will take place on December 5th.
What Is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday is a retail event dedicated to supporting small businesses, local shops, and independent retailers. While Black Friday often focuses on large department stores and major retailers, Small Business Saturday highlights the value of shopping at local businesses and smaller community stores.
Many cities and communities promote the event by encouraging people to shop local, discover nearby shops, and support the entrepreneurs and small companies that help make local economies thrive. During Small Business Saturday, customers can find unique products, personalized service, and independent brands that may not be available through large retailers.
The Origin of Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as an initiative designed to encourage consumers to support independent businesses during the holiday shopping season. The goal was to give small retailers and local companies an opportunity to benefit from the increased shopping activity during Thanksgiving weekend, which had traditionally been dominated by large retailers and national chains.
Since its launch, the event has grown into an international movement that promotes the importance of shopping locally and supporting small business owners. Today, millions of shoppers participate each year by visiting local stores, restaurants, and small online shops.
Why Small Business Saturday Is Important
For many small businesses and independent retailers, the holiday season represents a significant portion of annual sales. Events like Small Business Saturday help bring attention to local brands and give them a chance to compete with larger companies during the busiest shopping period of the year.
When people choose to shop local, they help support small business owners, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy. Communities also benefit from a diverse range of businesses that offer unique products and services.
Many shoppers enjoy discovering local brands, creative businesses, and independent retailers, making the event both a shopping experience and a way to support the local business community.
Small Business Saturday Today
Today, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of the global holiday shopping season. Local shops, independent brands, and small companies participate by offering special promotions, seasonal discounts, and community events.
For many businesses, preparing for the event begins weeks in advance. Small companies often launch holiday promotions, marketing campaigns, and limited-time offers to attract customers during the busy shopping weekend.
Custom merchandise can also help businesses stand out. Branded T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and promotional products can increase brand visibility, promote local businesses, and create memorable campaigns during important retail events. With custom apparel and promotional products from ICON Printing, small businesses can prepare for events like Small Business Saturday while strengthening their brand and connecting with customers during the competitive holiday shopping season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business Saturday
When is Small Business Saturday?
In the United Kingdom, Small Business Saturday takes place on the first Saturday of December, while in the United States it is held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, following Black Friday.
Why is Small Business Saturday important?
The event helps small businesses and independent retailers attract customers during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. Supporting local businesses helps strengthen the local economy and encourages community growth.
How can you get involved in Small Business Saturday?
Shoppers can take part in Small Business Saturday by visiting local shops, supporting independent retailers, and choosing to shop local during the holiday shopping season. Many small businesses offer special promotions, events, or seasonal discounts to encourage customers to explore nearby stores and discover unique products.
How can small businesses prepare for Small Business Saturday?
Many businesses prepare by planning holiday promotions, marketing campaigns, and limited-time offers. Some companies also create custom merchandise and branded clothing to promote their business and attract customers during the event.