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7 hours ago

Mainers urged to shop local on Small Business Saturday

By Renee Cordes

For this weekend's official start to the holiday shopping season, Mainers are being urged to support local retailers and dining establishments on Small Business Saturday.

This year’s edition marks the 16th year of the annual tradition launched by American Express in 2010 and co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011.

“Every year consumers hear about the post-Thanksgiving deals at large retailers for Black Friday, but for our Main Streets and local shops the big event is the following day on Small Business Saturday,” Diane Sturgeon, the SBA’s Maine district director, said in an op-ed emailed to media outlets. 

Last year, Americans spent more than $22 billion on the day when they shopped or ate locally at a small, independently owned store or restaurant, she noted.

“We want to see that number grow even higher, and that local support continue throughout the year,” she said. "By keeping dollars local, consumers support not only that small business, but their community as a whole.”

Diane Sturgeon
Photo / Courtesy of SBA
SBA Maine District Director Diane Sturgeon with her purchases in downtown Gardiner.

Over the years, SBA officials have visited downtowns across the state to promote Small Business Saturday — most recently in Gardiner, where Sturgeon made purchases and shared snapshots afterward.

All Mainers who take part in Small Business Saturday are encouraged to post their own photos or videos on social media using various hashtags, including #SmallBizSaturday and #IShoppedSmall.

“Our small businesses are the ones who sponsor youth sports and donate to nonprofits, make local festivals and fairs possible and bring beautiful lights and displays to our downtowns," Sturgeon said. “As the federal agency specifically tasked with supporting America’s small businesses, we cannot speak highly enough about Maine’s entrepreneurs and hope all Mainers share our enthusiasm."

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