When people think of holiday shopping, their mind may jump to Black Friday, but officials say the often overshadowed, Small Business Saturday, will draw in a big crowd this weekend.
For over 10 years, Michigan has promoted its designated day to shop small. Last year's holiday season was wrought with lockdowns and capacity restrictions, leaving local businesses with a smaller batch of consumers.
"There were, you know, very strict mask mandates, and we had a lockdown going on, so it was a very hard time for retailers last year," Michigan Retailers Association Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Rook said. "This year, Michigan retailers are in a better position."
Based on numbers the association has observed through the summer and early fall, Rook said Michigan shoppers are starting earlier than ever, and it won't end with the holiday season.
"They want to get back in store and they want to shop and support their local retailer,” she said.
COVID-19 restrictions were also an opportunity for online shopping to rise in popularity. With fast action companies like Amazon Prime swarming the market, Rook said it's more important than ever to continue to support small businesses.
“When you're buying something local, chances are you're helping out your neighbor, you're helping out your relative, you're helping out your community," Rook said. "Every time you send $1 outside the state, chances are you're not helping a local retailer, you're not helping the local business.”
Currently, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging Michiganders to mask up as cases soar throughout the state.
"Be considerate of your neighbor, and your neighbor includes a store employee," Rook said. "Remember, they have families, too. Remember that they are people, too. Remember that they're dealing with a lot of other people and chances are, the in-store staff, there's a lot less of them."