Old Town Cape will participate in their first Small Business Saturday on November 29. American Express created the event in 2010 to encourage people to shop at local businesses.
Christa Zickfield, project manager at Old Town Cape, said “They [American Express] wanted to help draw local communities to their community driven shops. The local mom and pops, who have built their business in their districts and helped funnel funds back into their community.”
American Express designated Old Town Cape as a neighborhood champion, so they developed a special promotion for the event.
According to Zickfield, 29 local retailers will participate in the downtown passport promotion. Consumers who shop with them will earn one stamp per transaction per store. Each stamp equals an entry for a chance to win a gift basket valued at $700.
The basket includes gift cards and items donated by the participating businesses.
Zickfield said it is important to shop at small businesses because they support the local economy.
“They are helping sustain the jobs that are already here and help create more," she said.
Many of the local retailers are involved in local charities, according to Zickfield. Community support and patronage allows them to make donations and donate their time. It stimulates the economy and gives the community a sense of pride, she explained.
“It’s important to keep our economy thriving," Zickfield said.
Laurie Everett, owns and operates Annie Laurie's Antiques, which is one of the businesses that will participate in Saturday's promotion. Her store has participated in Small Business Saturday for several years.
“Small businesses are kind of the heart of our community,” Everett said.
According to her, a higher percentage of money spent in local businesses stays in the community.
“It keeps the money right here in our community," she said.