Council urges local traders to get involved
Already a tradition in America, Small Business Saturday first came to Britain in 2013. This year it will be held on Saturday, December 6 - expected to be one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
The aim is to promote the benefits of shopping locally, strengthen local communities and help shops build up longer-term trade by attracting new customers.
The council will provide a space on its website for traders to promote special offers, giveaways and events on the day, will spread the word via social media and will promote Small Business Saturday as part of its Christmas Shop Local campaign.
Social media marketing is a crucial element of Small Business Saturday success, so businesses are advised to connect with their customers and community using Facebook and Twitter. Tweet about plans for the day using the hashtag #SmallBizSatUK and team up and network with neighbouring small businesses to offer group discounts or organise a Small Business Saturday event. Follow Small Saturday Business UK on Facebook and Twitter @SmallBizSatUK and post your planned activities.
The council’s business spokesman Cllr Guy Senior said:
“The borough has a fantastic range of shops and small firms, and Small Business Saturday is a great way to raise their profile and encourage local people to do their Christmas shopping in their own high street. Our Economic Development Office is busy preparing for the day, so any businesses that want to get involved should get in touch. The more people that get involved, the more successful the day will be.”
Steve Pinto, Chairman of the Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce said:
“We are delighted to be supporting Small Business Saturday. Small businesses are essential to the British economy and I am sure Wandsworth will rise to the challenge and ‘shop local’ on December 6, and every day thereafter. This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to kick start the Christmas season by offering incentives, special offers and promotions”.
If you would like to get involved, email details of your Small Business Promotions to open4business@wandsworth.gov.uk or tweet them to @businesswandbc.
October 22, 2014