9 Ways to Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Canada

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Participating in Small Business Saturday could be the game-changer for your business. In 2023, an American Express study found that 51% of consumers prefer shopping at small businesses, and an estimated $17 billion was spent at independent retailers and restaurants last year. 

While the statistics are promising, relying on hope alone won’t drive sales. To make the most of Small Business Saturday, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Need some ideas on how to participate this year? Here are nine strategies to consider:

1. Offer Exclusive, One-Day Discounts

Embrace the flash sale! On November 30, offer substantial discounts on a variety of goods and products, making it a one-day bonanza customers can’t resist. Be sure to advertise your discounts in advance online, on social media, and in your store.

2. Provide Free Samples

Give your customers a free taste or demo of your products and services in the run-up to Small Business Saturday to woo them back to make a purchase on November 30. 

3. Host a Charity Drive or Donation Match

Small businesses are at the heart of every community. Partnering with a local charity or donating a portion of your sales on Small Business Saturday to give back to those in need can boost your business beyond sales; it demonstrates to your customers that your business is an integral part of supporting the health of the community at large. 

4. Provide Discounts for Future Purchases

A simple, cost-effective way to generate repeat business is to offer your customers a coupon for a discount on their next purchase.

5. Offer Free Gift Wrapping

’Tis the season, so dress up your customers’ purchases by offering to gift wrap the products they buy from you. It’s a nice touch and spares them the hassle of doing it themselves.

6. Launch a Social Media Contest

More Canadians are shopping online and purchasing through mobile devices or social media networks. Take advantage of that by running a contest on your social media accounts that encourages customers to share photos of their purchases from your store on their social channels with a unique hashtag. Those who do can be entered into a random draw to win a gift card at your store.

7. Get Listed on Amex’s Shop Small Map

You likely already have a Google My Business account to help customers find you online and offline. If your business accepts American Express credit cards, get listed on Amex’s Shop Small Map. It’s similar to Google My Business, and any Amex cardholder in your area will know your small business accepts that form of payment.

8. Collaborate With Other Local Businesses

Team up with other independent retailers, restaurants, and other types of small businesses in your community to celebrate Small Business Saturday collectively. Together, participating businesses can offer customers a bundle promotion or cross-promote one another, whether online or offline.

9. Be Ready for the Unexpected

If you haven’t reviewed and updated your small business’s insurance policy lately, do so! Make sure you’ve got the right coverages and coverage limits to cover your expenses if unexpected damages or losses occur that could rob you of the profit you’re planning to make throughout the holiday season.

How to Get Low-Cost Business Insurance Fast

Take advantage of Small Business Saturday to raise your brand awareness and attract new customers, but ensure you have the insurance protection you need beforehand.

Zensurance is Canada’s leading provider of small business insurance solutions. We help protect hundreds of thousands of small businesses and independent professionals across the country with low-cost, customized policies.

Fill out our online application for a free quote in less than five minutes.

Our brokers are business insurance experts who can answer your questions, and get big protection for small businesses at a low cost.