Make a Dent in Denton’s Economy by Shopping Small on Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 30, 2024, is Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate and support small businesses in Denton and recognize their community impact. Denton Economic Development Partnership (EDP) Director of Strategic Partnerships,  Jamie Adams says, “When you shop local in Denton, you help our small businesses thrive and our neighborhoods prosper.”

Small Business Saturday encourages Americans nationwide to support local businesses, infusing money into local economies. It also promotes vibrant and diverse communities and celebrates the importance of small businesses to the national economy. The event has become an important day to show appreciation for the small businesses that are the backbone of Denton’s economy.

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday  takes place annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving when people say their “thank yous” and are in the giving spirit. This event encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick-and-mortar businesses that are small and local.

American Express founded Small Business Saturday in 2010 to encourage consumers to shop small during the holiday season. Today, Small Business Saturday is co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season. Historically, spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $17 billion last year, according to the 2023 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey.

We hope that residents of Denton consider showing their support and shopping locally. This meaningful day can act as an excuse to treat yourself to some of Denton’s favorite local mom-and-pop shops, independent retailers, restaurants, cafes, and service providers while giving back at the same time. 

How Small Business Saturday supports Denton’s economy

When you support a small business in Denton, you also support the city by paying sales tax. These tax dollars go toward local public schools, parks, roads, and sidewalks, as well as to fund public service workers like firefighters and police officers..

The items found in some of Denton’s small businesses are often made by hand in small batches, so they’re one-of-a-kind pieces. Some stores also offer customized products, hands-on services, and other personal touches that big box stores cannot. In fact, 37% of consumers in the U.S. say they purchase from small businesses to receive a more personal experience.

The country has over 33 million small businesses, accounting for roughly 44% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, equating to trillions of dollars of economic activity. Adams says, “By designating a day that honors small businesses in Denton and across the country, we are reminded that these businesses rely on our patronage during the critical holiday shopping season and year-round.” Data from QuickBooks shows that about one-third of small businesses’ annual revenue was generated during the holidays in 2022.

Finally, consumers who want to avoid the stresses of holiday shopping prefer patronizing small businesses. QuickBooks also reports that nearly 3 in 5 consumers indicate that shopping at small businesses is less stressful than at big retailers. 

In addition to Small Business Saturday, there are a number of other events going on in the downtown area for the holiday season, including Wassail Fest and the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival.

Wassail Fest

Wassail Fest will take place in downtown Denton on Saturday December 7th, starting at 6:00 p.m. In case you’re wondering, what a Wassail is, it’s a hot, spiced holiday punch traditionally made with apple cider, ale or wine, citrus, and warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It is associated with wassailing, an ancient English custom of singing and drinking to good health and a productive harvest.

The Denton Main Street Association has been celebrating this yuletide custom in downtown Denton since 1999. As you make your way around downtown, you can sample the many wassail recipes as you go. Rate the wassails you try based on taste, aroma, and appearance. After tasting them, vote online for your favorite one.

Tasting wassail is a fun and festive way to celebrate the winter holidays and bring our community together. You will have the opportunity to taste many varieties of wassail and we invite you to recognize your favorite by casting a vote in our annual wassail competition. And while you’re tasting, enjoy some festive shopping at all the great options downtown Denton has to offer.

Wassail Fest happens in conjunction with the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival.

The Denton Holiday Lighting Festival

Originally organized in 1988, Denton Holiday Festival Association (DHFA) raised funds to illuminate the trees on the Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn. The Denton Holiday Lighting Festival has expanded to become a local event full of arts & crafts, food, and music for the Denton community, families, and visitors to the city. Since its inception, this beloved community event has been held annually and includes musical and dance performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, children’s crafts, and visits with Santa, among other activities and attractions. As Denton is known for its arts, culture, and especially its music, live entertainment is provided by talented local musicians and the Denton Community Band, which has been an integral part of the celebration.

Make a big impact by shopping small

Small Business Saturday celebrates and encourages consumers to shop and support local businesses. When you shop locally, you are investing in the future of Denton’s community. Your money is going directly towards supporting the livelihood of small business owners in Denton and their families. These business owners are more likely to reinvest their earnings back in the community. When small businesses thrive, the community benefits.

This Small Business Saturday, show your support for your local businesses and make a difference here in Denton. Shop Denton first. Learn more here.