MOUNT VERNON – Following a decade-long tradition, the Knox County Chamber of Commerce is planning to launch the 'Shop Small' campaign on Saturday, Nov. 28.
The campaign's aim is to spur spending at local businesses in downtown Mount Vernon to provide much needed economic relief amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Created out of the wreckage of the Great Recession, Shop Small Saturday began in 2010 at the behest of American Express and is held at the same time every year across the country— this year, the day after Thanksgiving. In 2011, the Senate voted to expand Small Business Saturday across all 50 states.
"Even though this holiday looks a little different, we're still hoping to spread joy throughout our small businesses and show that support," Olivia Toth, marketing manager for the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau, told the Mount Vernon News. "We're all looking for that little bit of hope and support. Our in-person shops around the county are really looking for community support. That's why it is super important to start spreading that support from here at the Chamber of Commerce."
As is the case for any major campaign that draws increased foot traffic in specific areas, the question of COVID-19 and protecting business owners becomes a prescient one. The Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with businesses for the 2020 holiday season to ensure a cohesive and safe shopping experience for all.
"We have been closely working with our shopping districts on being aware of COVID-19 mandates and spreading that awareness; having the expectation that each of our businesses are supporting each other by keeping those mandates in effect within their stores— i.e., wearing masks and maintaining social distance," Toth explained. "Support from shop-to-shop is extremely important" for ensuring all necessary COVID-19 mandates are met.
While Shop Small Saturday is viewed as a single-day event, it is different for Mount Vernon.
"Usually, Shop Small Saturday is the kickoff for the holiday season and lasts about a month," Toth told the News. In particular, businesses on Main Street in Mount Vernon are participants in this year's campaign, including Paragraph Bookstore as well as restaurants like The Makery. Local galleries are also collaborating with other businesses for the event.
The collaborative spirit is rife with Shop Small Saturday. To increase foot traffic for businesses, store owners will usually recommend that shoppers check out other stores next door, across the street, etc., further demonstrating the community-wide nature of the event.
