Small Business Saturday is coming up fast, and many businesses in the Fox Cities are preparing with deals for shoppers to take advantage.
The annual event has been an ongoing tradition since 2010 when it was founded by American Express to encourage people to shop at small businesses after the Great Recession. While deals are to be expected on the shopping holiday, many promotions go on throughout the season to promote shopping outside of the one-day event, as small businesses need support year-round.
If you’re looking to shop local this holiday season and show support to small businesses, here’s what you can plan on.
Downtown Appleton Inc. passport program returns
One way people in the Fox Cities can take advantage of shopping options this Saturday is with Downtown Appleton Inc.’s passport program, which is a free passport participants can take with while shopping to collect stamps from businesses downtown. When their passport is stamped at five different businesses, the passport can be turned into any participating business be eligible to win one of over $3,000 in prizes.
This year’s grand prize is a donation from the Appleton Airport of a $500 Allegiant Air travel gift card and a Downtown Appleton staycation package, which includes an overnight stay at the CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel, a $75 gift card to RYE restaurant and a $75 gift card to Spa BenMarNicos.
Those who wish to join in on the Appleton-exclusive event can pick up a passport at the Downtown Appleton Inc. office, the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, any Fox Communities Credit Union location or at any participating business before or on Saturday. A full list of passport pick-up spots and participating businesses can be found on Downtown Appleton’s website. Free street parking will also be available all-day Saturday in honor of the holiday.
“Without the support of people in our community walking around and supporting these small businesses, they wouldn’t be here anymore,” said Abby Novak, the marketing director for Appleton Downtown Inc. in an interview with The Post-Crescent. “As somebody that’s very close to a lot of these business owners, they truly pour their hearts and souls into these businesses. They believe in what they’re selling and they believe in what they’re doing, and they want to share that with everybody in the community.”
Beyond Appleton, other cities in the Fox Valley plan to provide deals and promotions this Saturday. The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce has an extensive list of small businesses across the Valley for people to check out this Saturday.
Future Neenah kicks off the small business season
In an email to The Post-Crescent, Future Neenah said they’re calling this Saturday the “kick off to Small Business Season,” as a reminder that all local small businesses need support throughout the entire season.
For Saturday, many downtown Neenah businesses are offering specials, discounts, drawings, and open houses to celebrate the day of supporting everything local. Some deals from Neenah businesses include The Tailored Hide offering 30% off all Christmas ornaments and home decor and Grainworks Old and New offering 10% off all signs and barrels. A full list of downtown Neenah businesses can be found here.
Faith Huey is a business reporter for The Appleton Post-Crescent. You can reach her at [email protected] or view her Instagram profile at @Faith.Huey.
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