© Michael Weick, author
Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for shoppers to support Houston’s 100,000 small businesses this holiday season. Here are some benefits of an American Express marketing event on the Saturday after Thanksgiving:
• There are 3.1 million small businesses in Texas, and more than half of small businesses, 56%, say Small Business Week this year is more important than ever, according to LawnStarter Harris County Lawn Service.
• Small businesses employed about 14% of the Houston-area workforce in 2019, or about 400,000 people, according to Houston City Hall.
• American Express forecasts Christmas retail sales to reach record highs in 2022. Consumers are estimated to spend up to $960.4 billion this holiday season, including up to $224.31 billion forecast for online shopping.
• American Express expects that for every dollar spent on small businesses, $0.67 stays in the local community. This could boost sales for the 2022 holiday season, as 78% of small businesses believe holiday sales will affect their ability to stay open in 2022 due to the pandemic.
• More than 51 million people participated in Small Business Saturday 2021 and spent $20 billion compared to $12 million in 2020.
Some small businesses in the Houston area are using social media to express their gratitude to their loyal customers over the years.
“We cannot let Small Business Saturday pass without an acknowledgment of the love and support our community has shown us over the years,” Corona Paint and Body wrote. “Thank you for choosing us for all your body needs, Houston.”
“We can’t miss Small Business Week without acknowledging the love and support our community has shown us over the years,” Express Laundry Center & Washateria wrote. “Thank you for choosing us for all your laundry needs, Houston. #SamallEntreprise”
“Houston Small Business contributes so much to our community every day,” Air Integrity HVAC tweeted. “Show your local support this Saturday for small businesses and always!”
