Small Business Saturday (SBS) is a nationally recognized shopping day held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. American Express launched the campaign in 2010 to rally support for small business owners in the holiday shopping season vs. shopping at large department stores or online.

What is “Small Business Saturday SHOP RI”?

RI is the ONLY State to organize a statewide event “Small Business Saturday SHOP RI” held at the Crowne Plaza to showcase a diverse array of small businesses/local vendors similar to a “specialty pop-up mall” representing all areas of our state in ONE location with free parking! This year there are 130 Business Vendors, including 20 business owners with disabilities!

What Businesses/Vendors will be at this event?

Vendors include entrepreneurs, artists, veterans, Farm Fresh RI, individuals with disabilities, Social Ventures, minority-owned and other small businesses who will be selling their products, and services to the general public for the holiday season.

What are examples of products, items and services available to purchase?

Candles, photography, greeting cards, clothing, artwork, pet gifts, pottery, food products, wooden signs, jewelry, sea glass,

seaweed art, metal sculptures, beauty products, knitted scarves/hats, books, stained glass, pet/people portraits,

walkway stones, handmade soaps, games, jams/sauces, flavored popcorn, leather goods, travel services, maple

products, wreaths, etc. There’s something for everyone here!

WHY is shopping local important?

According to the 2018 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, produced by American Express and NFIB, 104 million shoppers spent a record high of $17.8 billion in 2018. For every $100.00 you spend at locally owned businesses, $67.00 will stay in the community. When you shop locally you create jobs for RI’s economy to prosper and help ensure your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong —in our community!

Who is sponsoring this event?

The RI Developmental Disabilities Council (RIDDC) organized “Small Business Saturday SHOP RI” in 2017 in collaboration with the RI Small Business Administration (SBA), Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE), Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), and Communications Works, Inc. 

Call 401-737-1238 for more information!

www.sbsshopri.com

Facebook: SBSShopRI