Champion the cause of locally owned businesses with Small Business Saturday

Has Black Friday lost some of its edge? From my observations, I think perhaps the single day known as Black Friday has lost some luster. More and more retailers are offering Black Friday pricing well in advance of the day.

Yesterday, I had to purchase my dog a new dog collar. At the check out, I was offered a copy of the national pet retailer's insert and advice from the lady that I should wait and make the purchase on Friday when the dog collar I picked up was $8 cheaper. Unfortunately for me, the dog needed the collar yesterday so I made the purchase.

Such a tip off even a couple years ago about the details of their Black Friday insert and special pricing would have been unheard of, and yet it happened a couple times this week. I suppose it should be a surprise since many retailers have caved in and posted their inserts online. Plus there are several Black Friday websites and apps that cater to those who can't wait until their Thanksgiving paper arrives.

Personally, I'm more excited about Saturday than I am Friday regarding shopping.  Kudos to American Express who created Small Business Saturday in 2010 to help small and medium businesses across the country. Sure it also helps them but to their credit, they have done a great job of champion a cause that is very under-represented.

In my community, I became a community organizer of sorts helping to sign up participating businesses as well as running promotions through traditional and digital media outlets. In a local news story, it was reported that over 200 businesses were signed up in my community of about 130,000 people.

Social media like Facebook and Twitter have seen lots of posts, which you can use to see what is happening in your local market. #ShopSmall is the key word for Small Business Saturday, taking place this Saturday across the country.

In addition to helping out locally owned businesses, you have a chance to pad your own wallet if you use your American Express Card. In the past, social media Four Square also offers bonus opportunities to save money through your American Express Card. For details on the entire project, a list of businesses in your community and how you can save some money, check out:  https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/Shop-Small/