Local Storefronts Gear Up for Small Business Saturday - November 30

MAINE - Local businesses across Maine are preparing for a string of busy shopping days. Small Business Saturday represents a local counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday - both of which typically generate huge revenue for national Big Box stores. The buy-local initiative has quickly become quite a tradition in Maine's holiday shopping experience.

"Small Business Saturday is all about supporting your neighbors, the tens of thousands of small business owners in communities all across Maine," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "We have many chances year-round to shop local, but the holiday season is an especially important time to celebrate and support our local Maine merchants."

Hundreds of Maine artisans and merchants are represented by one local business, Lisa-Marie's Made in Maine, located in Bath and Portland. "On Friday shoppers are focusing primarily on the national chain stores," said owner, Lisa-Marie Stewart. "On Saturday it's our turn, as the spotlight shifts to Maine's small businesses. Honestly, it's the one day I don't feel like I need to do anything extra, because the customers are out there encouraging us and supporting us, saying ‘I waited until today because it's Small Business Saturday'."

DECD encourages everyone to support their local economy and embrace our homegrown entrepreneurial spirit. Be it an elaborate original oil painting or something as simple as sea salt, the true quality of Maine is best discovered on its small streets and storefronts.

PLAID FRIDAY and SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SHOPPING ALTERNATIVES IN DOWNTOWN BANGOR!

Friday, November 23rd And Saturday, November 24th

Bangor, Maine - This year, holiday shoppers can avoid the lines, stress, and the hunting for parking spots that come with the typical retail places on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Instead, sleep in and join us in Downtown Bangor for our Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday shopping alternatives.  Shops will be opening at 10am and will close around 6 or 7pm.  

The name Plaid Friday celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent businesses. Plaid Friday is the fun and enjoyable alternative to the big box store "Black Friday", and is designed to promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays.  Help us celebrate by wearing plaid while shopping in Downtown on Friday, November 23rd.

Many of the shops in Downtown will be offering sales and discounts ranging from 10 to 25% off; some businesses will be offering even steeper discounts.  Many of the shops Downtown also offer free gift-wrapping.

“This laid back shopping experience fits well with how distinctive Downtown Bangor is” says Jason Bird, Downtown Coordinator.  “The businesses in Downtown offer unique gifts and a relaxed atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy.  Shopping elsewhere can be stressful.  Instead, come Downtown, do some shopping, have lunch and enjoy the day.  There won’t be any pushing or shoving. ”

On Friday, shoppers can show their receipt from any Downtown business at either Giacomo’s or Antique Marketplace Café and get a free coffee.

Most of the retail shops will be participating.  Some are: Valentine Footwear, Blue Heron, Mexicali Blues, Metropolitan Soul, The Rock and Art Shop, Epic Sports, Central Street Farm House, Briar Patch, Maine Jewelry and Art and more!

Small Business Saturday began in 2010 by American Express to help small businesses get more exposure during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. Last year, over 100 million people came out across the nation to shop at independently-owned small businesses on the day.

The Downtown Bangor Partnership promotes and markets activities that enhance the distinctive identity of Downtown Bangor, encouraging retention and growth of commercial, residential, and cultural life within the downtown district.  For more information on the Downtown Bangor Partnership visit www.downtownbangor.com.

DECD Encourages Local Support of Small Business Saturday

Augusta, Maine - While Black Friday officially starts the holiday shopping season, the Department of Economic and Community Development encourages all Maine shoppers to support their locally-owned businesses on Small Business Saturday this Nov. 24.

"I can't think of a better way to support your community, your shop owners and, most importantly, your neighbors than to spend locally," said George Gervais, Commissioner of the DECD. "Our department launched the Maine Made Marketing Program several years ago and it is great to see so many of the participants in that program are having the opportunity to benefit from the Small Business Saturday initiative."

Last year, more than 100 million shoppers came out nationally in support of independently-owned small businesses on the day. Having supported the Small Business Saturday initiative for the last two years, one shop owner says it really helps to drive traffic through her doors.

"I did see an increase in sales on the Saturday after Black Friday last year," said Lisa Marie Stewart, owner of Lisa Marie's Made in Maine, a consignment shop with locations in Bath and Portland. "I find that our customers like this initiative in that they're supporting local people, keeping their shopping money in Maine."

Lisa Marie's Made in Maine works with approximately 250 local crafters and artisans, and employs 12 to 13 people depending on the season. As a member of the Maine Made Marketing Program, she encourages all her vendors to join. "It makes a big difference to have the Maine Made logo on your product," she said.

The Small Business Saturday initiative was created by American Express in 2010 as a day for everyone - from business owners who create jobs to the customers who buy locally - to support small businesses that invigorate the economy and keep communities thriving. For more information on the Small Business Saturday initiative, visit www.shopsmall.com. And for more information on the Maine Made Marketing Program, visit www.mainemade.com.