Small Business Saturday 2020: How To Shop Small During COVID-19

The normal Thanksgiving-adjacent shopping season certainly keeps us on our toes (or fingers digging into our wallets, rather). There's Black Friday, characterized by slashing prices, abundant big-box sales, and perhaps a bit of excess. There's Cyber Monday, which basically equates to the same thing just all done virtually. Then there's Giving Tuesday, which is about using your money in an entirely different manner, one that we adore around here: On Giving Tuesday, individuals and companies are encouraged to donate to causes dear to them.

Nestled in there is another day we highly approve of: Small Businesses Saturday. The day encourages shopping at local spots, thereby investing your money back into your community. It's also usually a great way to get out and about, meet new people in your area, and discover new stores 

This year, I don't think we need to remind you, looks different; As we continue to deal with COVID-19, we're all encouraged to stay home. It's a bitter irony that has come up time and again over the past several months: At a time when it's never been more vital to put money back into the community and shop small, it's never been harder—especially when shopping online at big retailers is just so convenient. But a recent report found that in the first COVID surge, small businesses lost a reported 40% of revenue—even more upsetting, 40% of small businesses closed nationwide. 

And given our recent numbers, it does seem we are likely heading back into a similar situation. 

A trend that started at the beginning of March's quarantine: Purchase gift cards to your favorite restaurants and shops so we can redeem them when we are better able. At most places, too, buying gift cards is as easy as visiting their website with the certificate being issued digitally.  

Because small businesses are inherently localized, you'll have to do a bit of research to see what stores are participating Saturday, what are the best protocols for safety during COVID, and what sort of virtual offerings are available. 

For example, some cities allow outside shopping—meaning businesses can set up clothing racks, shelves, and tables outside their storefront so people can peruse while in the open air. Other cities are even hosting virtual events, like D.C. Shop Small's initiative, in which you are added to a raffle if you upload your receipt from participating businesses. 

If this year taught us anything it's that how we spend our money matters—from saving local shops to shopping at Black-owned business. Your purchasing power is important, matters, and makes a difference.