‘Tis the season to shop local in Ocean Beach. Especially on Saturday, Nov. 30, which is small business Saturday. Do so and win local swag and gift cards.
The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association has announced the return of its annual Shop Small campaign, kicking off with Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday kicks off the holiday shopping season for local businesses. This day celebrates the diversity of small businesses across OB, with OBMA recognizing the importance of supporting them, the jobs they create, and the culture they foster in the community.
On Nov. 30, two days after Thanksgiving, shoppers who spend $50 or more in OB can stop by the OBMA welcome booth in Veterans Plaza Park (1900 Ocean Front Way) to spin the wheel for a chance to win local swag, gift cards, and other prizes. The booth will also offer information on upcoming holiday events and activities. It is a great way to learn how to stay engaged with the OB community throughout the season.
To add to the fun, visitors are encouraged to take photos with friends and family at the “I (heart) OB” photo booth, located next to the OBMA welcome booth in Veterans Plaza Park. It’s the perfect way to capture the moment and show support for local businesses by sharing on social media.
OBeachy Bingo will also launch on Small Business Saturday. Shoppers can visit the OBMA welcome booth to pick up the OBeachy Bingo card and search for the flock of “OB Parrots” hidden in 96 participating businesses throughout OB. Completed bingo cards must be turned in by Dec. 20 to win even more prizes from OBMA.
While Small Business Saturday is a significant holiday season highlight, OBMA encourages everyone to continue supporting local businesses. Shopping locally not only strengthens the community but also preserves the eclectic character and charm that makes OB such a special place to shop, dine, play, and stay. Mark your calendars for Nov. 30 and be part of this special day to celebrate and support local businesses in OB.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
Now more than ever, local communities and the nation’s more than 34 million independent small businesses need support this Small Business Saturday and all holiday season long. Join the federal Small Business Administration and organizations across the country as they celebrate small-business contributions to their communities by shopping at a small business on Nov. 30.
Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and has been officially co-sponsored by them since 2011. It is an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season as these results show:
– In 2023, the reported projected spending in the U.S. from those who shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday was around $17 billion.
– Since 2010, the total reported U.S. spending at small businesses during the annual Small Business Saturday has been an estimated $201 billion.
– Since the late 1990s, small businesses have accounted for between 43.5% and 50.7% of the United States’ gross domestic output (GDP), which equates to trillions of dollars of economic activity. In 2014, the most recent data available, small businesses generated nearly $5.9 trillion. By comparison, large businesses generated $7.7 trillion to the national GDP that same year.
– The majority of small businesses (82%) operate without employees, and those small employers who hire staff employ nearly half of the American workforce. Leading industries for small businesses include professional and business services, financial activities, and wholesale and retail trade, boasting 3.5 to over 7 million businesses within each sector.
SHOP LOCAL IN OB
- Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 30.
- OBeachy Bingo/Saturday, Nov. 30 through Friday, Dec. 20.
- OB Holiday Gift Guide.
- Supporting OB Community Foundation’s holiday festivities including the holiday tree, parade, auction, food and toy drive, and more.
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