The biggest shopping day of the year is next week, and local businesses are already decking the halls — and their shelves — for Small Business Saturday on November 29th.
Started back in 2010 as a way to encourage people to shop local, it has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season.
Hucklebeary is one of many small businesses in Duluth, selling everything from greeting cards and ribbon to jewelry and notebooks. They opened their doors eight years ago on Small Business Saturday, and employee Niki Whittet said it’s all because of the community’s support.
“We started off as just a pop-up, and because people kept supporting us and supporting us, we were able to grow and have multiple different locations… but if people weren’t supporting small businesses, Huckleberry wouldn’t even exist,” said Whittet.
According to American Express, an estimated $22 billion were spent on Small Business Saturday in 2024.
When you shop small, you’re not only keeping your dollars local, you’re also supporting those working behind the counter.
“You’re supporting students who are going to college right now. You’re allowing them to further their education. You’re supporting families with young kids. Your money is directly going right to the people in your community,” said Whittet.
And while Small Business Saturday is a one-day event, Hucklebeary employee, Klara Devries, said people should continue to shop small throughout the year.
“I think you can just continue to support small businesses throughout the year. It doesn’t have to be specifically on that day. It’s a great day to celebrate and get out and encourage others who don’t normally shop small,” said Devries. “But yeah, just continue to shop small, shop locally, come downtown and visit all the fun businesses that are down here. Don’t forget about us.”
