Why Small Business Saturday Still Matters
At Blue Butterfly, we know that small businesses are the true heart of our communities. As someone who previously served as the National Spokesperson for Small Business Saturday, this day carries particular meaning for me. Its importance, though, extends well beyond my own experience. Small Business Saturday has become a defining moment in the holiday season, highlighting the essential role that entrepreneurs, makers, and local retailers play in creating stronger, more connected neighborhoods.
Consumers Are Prioritizing “Shop Small”
Recent surveys show continued momentum behind small business support. A SurePayroll study found that 44 percent of consumers plan to buy holiday gifts from small businesses, and NMI reports that 49 percent expect to participate in Small Business Saturday. Last year, consumers spent an estimated $22 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on this day, according to American Express.
Now in its sixteenth year and taking place on November 29, Small Business Saturday continues to demonstrate how strongly shoppers value local businesses.
Why It Matters for Properties and Communities
Small businesses activate storefronts, diversify tenant mixes, and deliver the kind of personalized customer experience that drives repeat traffic. Their presence strengthens local economies and contributes to healthier, more resilient retail ecosystems. When consumers choose to shop small, they support entrepreneurship, local job creation, and the authentic character that makes neighborhoods feel one of a kind.
Our Commitment to Supporting Small Business Growth
At Blue Butterfly, we champion small business growth every day through specialty leasing, curated pop-ups, and flexible retail strategies that help emerging brands access high-quality space. Small Business Saturday reinforces the work we do year-round, which is creating opportunities for local concepts to thrive.
As the holiday season begins, this is an ideal moment for property owners and leasing teams to consider how small businesses contribute to the overall strength of their assets. Prioritizing space for local retailers is more than a seasonal strategy. It is an investment in long-term asset vitality, stronger community connection, and a healthier tenant mix.
For those shaping retail environments, supporting small business growth creates ripple effects that extend far beyond the holidays. When we champion local concepts, we elevate the customer experience, strengthen engagement, and build destinations that feel meaningful to the communities they serve.
