LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – The day after Thanksgiving has long been known as Black Friday, a day for holiday shoppers to find deals and discounts at big box stores.
But in recent years there’s been a strong push for Small Business Saturday — aimed at supporting smaller businesses that have often been left behind in favor of the Black Friday craze.
The Small Business Association of Michigan says there are more than a million small businesses across the state and about half of the state’s employment comes from such businesses.
SBAM Vice President of Operations Sarah Miller told WKAR for every $100 spent locally, at least $68 stays in that community. On the flip side, for every $100 spent at a box store or online retailer like Amazon, only about $43 stays local, according to the report.
Whether it’s shopping at locally owned stores or eating at family-owned restaurants, there are plenty of ways to support local communities on Small Business Saturday.
Here’s a look at some of the Small Business Saturday promotions happening across Mid-Michigan:
Downtown Lansing: Downtown Lansing Inc. is encouraging shoppers and diners to support local shops, restaurants and other businesses through its Downtown Digital Dollars program. When you buy Downtown Digital Dollars, you’ll get double the dollars to spend at more than two dozen participating businesses downtown. MORE DETAILS
Old Town Lansing: Shops, restaurants and other businesses will be open all day, offering treats, specials, deals and discounts. MORE DETAILS
REO Town Marketplace: The Mistletoe Market featuring more than 20 local vendors is open from noon-4 p.m. MORE DETAILS
South Lansing Farmers Market: More than 80 local vendors will be on-hand for the South Lansing Farmers Market at the Lansing Mall on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Shoppers can find everything from fresh meat and produce to holiday ornaments, stocking stuffers and more. MORE DETAILS
Downtown DeWitt: More than a dozen shops and restaurants will be handing out punch cards. Shoppers will get punches with every purchase and after getting five punches, you can enter to win a Downtown DeWitt gift basket featuring gift cards to multiple businesses.
Ionia: The community is invited to a free screening of the movie “Happy Feet” at the Ionia Theatre before or after shopping at local businesses. MORE DETAILS
Downtown Portland: Dozens of stores and restaurants will be open in Downtown Portland. This is their second Small Business Saturday as the city held a similar event last weekend. MORE DETAILS
St. Johns: A pop-up market is open in the Rise Up building from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and other local shops and restaurants are offering deals throughout the day. MORE DETAILS
Owosso: For every $10 spent at participating locations, you’ll get a chance to win nearly $2,000 in gift certificates and prizes. There will be multiple winners. The Downtown Owosso website has a list of discounts, specials and sales. MORE DETAILS
Downtown Brooklyn: The Village of Brooklyn website has an interactive business guide to find shops in the area that are open on Small Business Saturday. MORE DETAILS
Downtown Charlotte: Businesses will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. MORE DETAILS
Meridian Farmers Market: The market has moved indoors for the winter. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Small Business Saturday inside the Meridian Mall, featuring more than 80 vendors. Enter on the south side next to JC Penney or on the north side between Launch Trampoline Park and High Caliber. MORE DETAILS
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