Get Involved with Small Business Saturday 2020
Small businesses are the heartbeat of Staten Island. They employ nearly half of the City’s workforce, offer unique goods, superior customer service, and often give back to our local community.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted small businesses. According to a recent survey, more than 60% of small businesses stated they need to see consumer spending return to pre-COVID levels by the end of this year in order to remain open. For that reason, this year’s Small Business Saturday is even more crucial for the Island’s small businesses.
Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 by American Express to counteract the big-box business of Black Friday. This year’s Small Business Saturday, occurring on November 28, serves as a fantastic opportunity for consumers to show their appreciation and shop at many of the borough’s small businesses.
John Brown is the owner of family-owned Brownie’s Pro & Sport Hobbies, which will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in July 2021. The full-line hobby shop in Port Richmond sells a wide range of remote-control cars, boats, helicopters, and dozens of various models.
“As with any small business, the day is important. I love that people are embracing Small Business Saturday, and American Express is really pushing it. It’s always a good thing.” he said. “I’m always happy when I meet someone for the first time because then we make a new customer. And I’m similarly happy when I get my regulars coming in weekly because it’s nice to see their faces – even though we’re looking at them with masks on now.”
Debbie Muffaletto knows first-hand that small businesses create unique relationships with their customers. As the owner of Stella’s Secret Door Boutique in Pleasant Plains, she hopes consumers understand the importance of Small Business Saturday.
“I think we’re very important. We’re not owned by a corporation, and we’re just people trying to survive,” she said.
Wicked Stitches in West Brighton specializes in custom gift items and personalized embroidery on a wide range of products. The business, which started in a garage in 2005 and relocated to Castleton Avenue seven years ago, looks forward to Small Business Saturday.
“We already have the store ready for Christmas because we’re finding that people are looking to shop early this year and asking about our Shop Small specials and if we’ll be open and participating,” said co-owner Nancy Nix. “I think for my customers, Small Business Saturday is when they come in to see what I’m doing for the holidays.”
Nix is a strong proponent of supporting the community. She added Wicked Stitches would collaborate with her neighboring businesses for cross-promotional gifts, and on Small Business Saturday, they will promote each other during live social media posts.
The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce has always been a strong advocate for Small Business Saturday, but we understand that things are different this year. Businesses are relying more and more on online sales, but setting up your own digital storefront can be time consuming and expensive. The Chamber just made it a lot easier – and cheaper.
We’re excited to announce Shop Staten Island, our new online store for members. The shop will launch next week, just in time for Small Business Saturday.
The new site – www.statenisland.shopwhereilive.com – allows members to create their own personal online storefront, which will contain a business description, details (address, phone number, website, etc.), pictures, and, of course, items for sale. With many businesses struggling in today’s challenging economic climate, the e-commerce store is a wonderful opportunity to expand sales and reach more customers.
“The Chamber knows many businesses have changed the way they do business since the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope our members take advantage of this new opportunity with Shop Staten Island,” said Chamber President and CEO Linda Baran. “The Chamber believes that this new platform is a great way for businesses to reach new audiences plus generate revenue during the holiday season and all year long.”
Aside from our brand-new online store, there are plenty of other opportunities for small businesses this Small Business Saturday. They include:
Signing up for the Staten Island Advance's Customer Appreciation Program, which supports marketing, advertising, and branding needs by matching qualifying investments on silve.com and the Staten Island Advance to ensure your business is supported into 2021. Contact Dan Ryan at (917) 525-9380 or danryan@siadvance.com to learn more.
Creating and downloading complimentary, customizable marketing materials to encourage customers to Shop Small with American Express’ Shop Small Studio
Adding your business listing to the American Express Shop Small Map.
Registering with NYC & Company’s All In NYC: Neighborhood Getaways, a citywide lineup of offers on attractions, cultural experiences, dining, hotels, museums, shopping and tours. Customers can register their Mastercard and receive statement credits when they shop with a program participant.
For more information about the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, visit www.sichamber.com or email info@sichamber.com