Shop Small in Stone County

The Stone County Economic Development Partnership (S.C.E.D.P.) is kicking-off a Shop Small Campaign and plans to promote participation in Small Business Saturday. Set for Nov. 29th, Small Business Saturday was first introduced by American Express in 2010. The effort is dedicated to supporting small businesses across the country. First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday and now the Saturday after Thanksgiving is recognized as Small Business Saturday, the day we celebrate the Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S.

The S.C.E.D.P. is teaming up with independent, locally-owned businesses to encourage shopping in Stone County all month leading up to Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29th. The purpose of this campaign is to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve communities in Stone County.

Stone County EDP is offering promotional materials to their small business members as a way to support their efforts to generate excitement around the start of the holiday shopping season. We are providing canvas totes, welcome mats, window decals and posters to our participating businesses. “We have several locally-owned business partners already and hope to add others as we build up to Small Business Saturday.” said Ike Harbuck, President S.C.E.D.P.

Since its inception, Small Business Saturday has served as the ceremonial kickoff to the busy holiday shopping season for independently-owned businesses. Just as important, it has driven high visibility and appreciation for the unique role that small businesses play in local communities. In 2013, consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday reported spending $5.7 billion with independent merchants on the day, an increase of 3.6% from the previous year. (Source: American Independent Business Alliance (A.M.I.B.A.)

This year, the theme Neighborhood Champions was created to help inspire communities to participate in the day and support local Small Business Saturday celebrations throughout the country. This is particularly important for a small rural county with so many vibrant communities. “In Wiggins, we have a cluster of small businesses in the Downtown area and along the commercial corridor on Hwy. 49. We also have rural communities with vibrant small businesses as well. Big Level Grocery, O’Neal’s in Perkinston and The Pecan House in McHenry and The Sports Hut in Bond are all examples of small, locally-owned community businesses that are typically the gathering place for residents of those areas. It is important that they know we support their efforts and understand that they make an impact on the local economy,” said Danya Reyer, President of the S.C.E.D.P. Chamber Division.

Shop Small and Small Business Saturday are efforts of the S.C.E.D.P. Chamber Division. The purpose is to bring attention to the importance supporting our friends and neighbors who are small business owners. They help us make our community great by supporting youth recreation, music and art programs, reading programs, and the local food bank. For more information or to sign up as a participant contact the S.C.E.D.P.: 601-928-5418 or email: scedp@stonecounty.com