It's Small Business Saturday Today-Shop Locally

We spent Black Friday hangin' out at home as a family, cuddling up watching movies, and avoiding the mauls....I mean, malls, at all cost.    Sure there were smokin' deals to be had, but we were holding out for today and tomorrow--Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.   We're all about shopping locally, as a first stop, and when at all possible.    Then ordering on line is a great next step when you just can't find that illusive thing.

Small Business Saturday falls annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  It forms the trifecta with the two busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

I'd never heard of Small Business Saturday before this year (they just started in 2010), but what a genius idea.   We picked up a card about it at our local toy store, Play, in Logan Square, a few weeks back on Neighborhood Toy Store Day.   Check out our photo filled feature here.

Why Shop Small Business Saturday?

There were nearly 28 million small businesses in the United States last year and over the past two decades, they created 65 percent of net new jobs, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.  

The small business advocacy group. The 3/50 Project says, "For every $100 spent in locally-owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures". 

“Small business is the engine of job creation in the US economy,” said Mr. Chenault, chairman and chief executive officer, American Express.  “It is also among the sectors hardest hit by the recession.  By spreading the word about Small Business Saturday, we can help raise awareness about the critical role small businesses play in cities and towns across the country at a time when they need support the most.” 

Check 'em out on Facebook-Earn $25

American Express is launching campaigns on Facebook and Twitter driving consumers and business owners to facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday where they can participate in many ways, including:

• American Express is giving a $25 statement credit(1) to 100,000 Cardmembers who register their Card and use it to shop on Small Business Saturday at any locally-owned, independent small businesses that accept American Express. 
• American Express is also giving $100 of free Facebook advertising(2) to 10,000 business owners who sign up at facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday to help build online buzz and drive customers to shop at their businesses on Small Business Saturday.  By simply entering a few pieces of information and clicking a button, these business owners can create a personalized, geo-targeted ad that will run on Facebook leading up to November 27th. Facebook has donated $500,000 in Facebook credits for these small business owners to use in the future.
• Small business owners can also download online promotional materials and use a number of social media tools to promote their businesses on the inaugural Small Business Saturday. 
• Everyone can spread the word about the day and their favorite businesses by giving a shout-out to their favorite local shops and restaurants via Facebook and Twitter.  
• For every person who ‘likes’ Small Business Saturday on Facebook, American Express is donating $1 up to $500,000³ to Girls Inc. to empower young women to be the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

ChiIL Mama's Favorite Local Toy Stores:

Cat & Mouse Game Store-(Bucktown) - 2212 W. Armitage

Recurring Events

Every Tuesday - Game Night, 6:30-10 pm
Every Wednesday - D&D Encounters, 7-9 pm 
Every Thursday - D&D for Kids (ages 10-14), 4-5:30 pm 
Monthly - Chicago Yo-Yo
Club (check schedule for dates)

Play (Logan Square) – 3109 W. Logan Blvd.

Building Blocks Toys - (Wicker Park &  Lakeview) 2130 W. Division & 3306 N. Lincoln Ave.

 

http://www.buildingblockstoys.com/events?task=view_detail&agid=58&year=2011&month=11&day=25

PsychoBaby (Bucktown) – 1630 N. Damen Ave.

Timeless Toys (Lincoln Square) - 4749 N. Lincoln Ave.

Three Wishes (Wilmette) - 1515 Sheridan Rd. 

November 19-December 1st
Bring new or gently used children's books to donate to
a great organization, Bernie's Book Bank. They connect children needing books with books needing children!

There are donation bins at all the stores--just come in and let us know you brought a book. You'll receive a raffle ticket for drawings the night of the event for great prizes and gift certificates.

Geppetto's Toy Box (Oak Park) - 730 Lake St. (at Oak Park Ave.)

Second Friday of the month means....it's GAME NIGHT!  We LOVE games and think they're a great way to spend time together, friends or family.  So to encourage you to "tune out and play", we will always give you a little deal on Game Night: buy 2 games and get 20% off the pair!