Marion Business Association announced on Thursday, Nov. 20, that, as a member of the American Express® Neighborhood Champion Program, it will host Shop Small Main Street Craft Crawl as part of Small Business Saturday, which takes place on November 29. 

Created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday celebrates the impact small businesses have on communities across the country.

With a focus on “Shop Local,” Small Business Saturday is traditionally the day following Black Friday and was made to encourage Christmas-time buying from small and local businesses.  Small Business Saturday is a national effort, and the Craft Stroll is just one way to participate.

More than 40 local crafters will be on the sidewalks of Marion to celebrate Shop Small Saturday.  Downtown Businesses are invited to host a local artisan or crafter in front of their business Saturday, November 29 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  Some businesses will feature their own products on the sidewalk.

More than forty local artisans and crafters will be participating to showcase their hand crafts.  There will be jewelry, fabric crafts, wood crafts, pottery, cups and mugs, clothing, home décor and baked goods.  It is a great time to find Christmas gifts for the family and friends. 

To accommodate visitors, an open walkway on the sidewalk is to be maintained as the street will remain open to vehicular traffic. 

 Marion Business Association has supported Shop Small Saturday since its inception in 2010. According to Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, 97% of consumers who shopped on Small Business Saturday agree that small businesses are essential to their community and 95% reported the day makes them want to shop or eat at small, independently-owned businesses all year long, not just during the holiday season.

“For every dollar spent at a small business, American Express estimates an average of $0.68 stays in that business's local community. This has the potential to boost sales during the 2023 holiday season, with many small businesses still working to make up the revenue they’ve lost throughout the pandemic.” says www.uschamber.com.

For more information, contact:  Marion Business Association, 828-652-2215.

Source: Marion Business Association