Most of us have seen the rush of Black Friday ads and “Black Friday Now” promotions from major stores and online sites. But Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 30th is for the little guys.
“We are excited to promote and support local small businesses,” said Michelle Hummel, executive director of the Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce.
Like Middletown, cities and towns across Delaware participated in a national “Shop Small” campaign that day, offering special promotions, deals and entertainment.
Ironically, Small Business Saturday is the idea of financial giant American Express. The company launched Small Business Saturday in 2010 to “promote consumer spending at small businesses to benefit local communities,” according to the company’s website.
This year, American Express is supporting the recovery efforts of small businesses affected by Hurricane Helen and Hurricane Milton by rewarding every purchase made using an American Express Card at participating stores on November 30th. Donate $1 to
The company also provides businesses with free signage and social media materials, and an online map where customers can find participating stores.
What’s happening on Small Business Saturday in Delaware?
Below are some of the Small Business Saturday activities planned across the First State on Saturday, November 30th.
wilmington
The Wilmington Jaycee Downtown Christmas Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Second and Market streets. The procession will feature local celebrities and officials, marching bands, string bands, community organizations, floats, cartoon characters, Santa Claus, and more. The route will continue north on Market Street, passing the 10th Street Review Stand and ending at 11th and Market Streets.
Children bring their letters to Santa, and the elves collect them at the end of the parade.
Street parking will be free, with garages at 8th Street and Orange Street and 6th Street and Orange Street free from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cottage by Monarch will host a Small Business Saturday Pop-up Shop at 120 Greenhill Avenue from noon to 6 p.m. Small businesses wishing to display their products are welcome, but space is limited. Please visit our website themonarchmovementllc.com for pricing and requirements.
Devin Johnson Carroll and his sister Dawn came up with the idea of offering a pop-up shop.
“Community is very important to us and what better way to not only celebrate Small Business Saturday, but open up our space to other small businesses to generate revenue and create a market. ” Devin said.
Initial vendors who reserved space: Reverse Pink Jewelry, The Wellness Connection LLC, Alisha Cooper Wells, Mindset Specialist, and Hedera Yoga.
Cottage by Monarch is a coworking space and wellness center for women, offering products, services, and services that support women’s health, including yoga classes, personal and professional workshops, open mic nights, and monthly drinks parties. We offer programs. A shop event to introduce small and medium-sized businesses.
More holiday cheer: Delaware’s Christmas pop-up bar scene starts early with new spots and old favorites
delaware city
In Delaware City, Santa is scheduled to arrive at the municipal docks near Clinton Street in a fireboat around 1 p.m. on Nov. 30.
Visitors can take a free photo with Santa and, weather permitting, take a free harbor cruise.
A winter clothing giveaway will be held sponsored by the Delaware City Library.
Stores and restaurants welcome customers at “Shop Small.”
Do you like parades?: A guide to this year’s holiday parades in and around Delaware.
middletown
The Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce is planning a program to reward people who shop at participating businesses in Middletown, Odessa and Townsend on Small Business Saturday.
Michelle Hummel, executive director of the Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is offering the MACC Small Business Passport, which shoppers can download from the chamber’s website.
Shoppers can record each store they visit on Small Business Saturday in their passport. Each entry, whether via a completed passport or a social media post tagged “#SmallBusinessSaturdayMACC”, is an entry into the Small Business Saturday drawing. The winner will be announced in a live draw on Wednesday, December 4th at 3pm.
“We’ll be sharing more details on our Facebook page starting next week, so stay tuned,” Hummel said.
milford
Downtown Milford Inc. is organizing Small Business Saturday, featuring the arrival of Santa and a tree lighting ceremony.
Santa Claus will be traveling around town in a fire truck at 11 a.m. on Nov. 30, heading to his home on Walnut Street. Children 12 and under who attend will receive a free photo with Santa, a candy cane, and a stocking full of candy.
Santa Claus arrives in Milford in a fire truck during the Small Business Saturday event. This year’s Shopping Small extravaganza, which supports local businesses, will be held on Saturday, November 30th.
The tree lighting ceremony will be held on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m., with children’s activities and cookies at 4:30 p.m.
Activities and promotions are held throughout the day at downtown’s shops, restaurants, galleries, and art venues.
Downtown Milford Inc. is offering free marketing materials and decorations to businesses that wish to participate.
More helpful holiday information: new ILG schedules, busy roads, and more. Here’s what you need to know about Thanksgiving travel in 2024
Lewis
Santa will arrive in Lewes on Small Business Saturday as part of an event organized by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce.
The jolly old elf takes the Cape Water Taxi from the city docks into town at 12:45 p.m., strolls to his home on the corner of Second and Bank Streets, and visits the children from 1 to 3 p.m. I will visit.
Children can drop off letters to Santa in the mailbox next to their house.
The shop will host a variety of activities and promotions throughout the day.
Rehoboth Beach
Highlights of Small Business Saturday in Rehoboth Beach include a visit from Santa and the Holiday Farmers Market.
Santa will visit his home on the boardwalk near Rehoboth Street with children from 1 to 3 p.m. Please bring your camera to take photos. The giveaway for children is sponsored by Beach Babies Child Care and Max Challenge of Lewis.
The Holiday Farmers Market will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at Grove Park on the north side of Rehoboth Avenue near Columbia Avenue and the roundabout, just east of the Lewis-Rehoboth Canal.
Reporter Ben Mace covers real estate, development and business news. Please contact us at rmace@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared in the Delaware News Journal: Small Business Saturday celebrations planned across Delaware
