Support Morris County’s Local Businesses This Holiday Season

Nov. 25 is Small Business Saturday®

With the holiday season underway, finding the perfect gift isn’t just crucial for shoppers, it’s crucial for local businesses — “shopping small” can have “big” outcomes for everyone during Small Business Saturday® in Morris County this Saturday, November 25th!

“In Morris County, we love our small businesses. The County Commissioners launched our Morris County Small Business Grant Program in 2022, allocating $10.74 million to support local businesses and nonprofits that were still recovering after the pandemic. While that program has ended, the need to support our local businesses hasn’t changed. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and an essential part of what makes our county so special,” said County Commissioner Director John Krickus.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving has become known as “Small Business Saturday®” since it was launched by American Express on Nov. 27, 2010, and it has since grown into a national campaign to encourage holiday shoppers to patronize local businesses.

There is a greater incentive this year to shop locally in Morris County. The Morris County Economic Development Alliance (MCEDAlliance) has partnered with American Express to be an official community partner for Small Business Saturday®, reinforcing the county’s commitment to supporting local businesses and encouraging residents to Shop Small®.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of Small Business Saturday! This event is an incredible opportunity to spotlight and support the small businesses that are the heart of our community in Morris County. Make sure to utilize our complimentary directory on the Alliance’s website. It’s a comprehensive resource for discovering and supporting local businesses, not just for Small Business Saturday, but throughout the year,” said Craig Schlosser, President and CEO of the Morris County Economic Development Alliance.

Adding to consumer incentive to buy local, holiday shopping data suggests consumers have no intention of halting spending either.

According to a recent report from TransUnion, a global credit reporting agency, over half of Americans surveyed plan to spend over $500 during this holiday shopping season, a noticeable increase from the 36 percent who intended to do so in 2022. The online survey, which included participants aged 18 and older in the United States, found that about 3 in 10 consumers plan on spending more on holiday shopping than in the prior year, while only 16 percent say they will spend less.

Despite ongoing economic challenges and the 3.7 percent inflation rate over the past 12 months, most Americans are expected to maintain or even boost their holiday shopping budgets compared to last year.

Morris County is also fortunate to boast a vibrant local community and several vital resources integral to our area’s prosperity. These essential entities, including the Morris County Economic Development Alliance, Morris County Tourism Bureau, Morris County Economic Development Corporation and Morris County Chamber of Commerce, actively contribute to the well-being of our local businesses.

“Our partnership with businesses is rooted in our commitment to propel their growth. We provide a platform for connections, collaborations, and new ventures that create lasting business relationships. Our collective efforts not only contribute to the success of individual businesses, but also drive the economic development of Morris County. We proudly support our members on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year,” said Meghan Hunscher, President and CEO of Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

This holiday season, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to remember the importance of supporting small business. By “shopping small,” you not only contribute to the local economy, but also help to maintain the charm and character that make Morris County such a wonderful place to live and visit!

For more information about “shopping small” this Saturday in Morris County and helpful tips for businesses to prepare for Small Business Saturday®, visit the MCEDAlliance website.