Small Business Saturday is this coming weekend and as a small Irish business, we’re here for it 🙌
Small Business Saturday (SBS) actually kicked off first in 2010 in the U.S. by a not-so-small business: American Express. The desire was to promote local retailers and smaller e-commerce sites after the massive global shopping extravaganza that is Black Friday.
Research shows that on average, every €10 spent with a local Irish business can actually be worth €40 to the local economy, taking into account ongoing employment and the fact that a higher percentage of profits stay closer to home.
For us at Gym+Coffee, the vast majority of our sales are from right here at home. Part of our growth plan, certainly, is to stake a greater claim in overseas markets but we currently (and will continue to) rely heavily on the continued support of our on-shore community. Local support is paramount for so many Irish businesses such as ours.
The Small Firms Association (SFA) here in Ireland, advocates for an official Small Business Saturday campaign nationwide, saying that even a seemingly minimal extra spend on Irish products can result in millions more being fed back into the local economy. This year, this SFA and several Irish retailers + businesses have teamed up to launch the Green Friday campaign, encouraging Irish consumers to support local business.
Green Friday coincides with Black Friday, on November 29th this year and has the support and backing of Irish trade associations including the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, Retail Excellence and Chambers Ireland.
As you make the most of Black Friday deals and start on your Christmas shopping lists, take a bit of time where you can, to choose products and gifts that are made or designed locally. Support GreenFriday where you can - it can make all the difference to the health, vitality and sustainability of your local community!
