Prior to this weekend, only 28% of independent retailers expected to do well on Small Business Saturday -- 43% couldn't predict how it would go. But 60% of all small biz owners said they planned to spend more this weekend with local merchants. So, what ended up happening from your vantage point (as a retailer or a consumer)? Let us know by taking this one-question poll.

  • Yes, we broke sales records at our store or restaurant.
    6% (39 Votes)
    6%
  • Yes, consumers spent more than we expected at our shop.
    9% (58 Votes)
    9%
  • It was okay. We matched last year's sales.
    8% (53 Votes)
    8%
  • No. It was disappointing. Sales were down.
    47% (309 Votes)
    47%
  • It has lost its luster. We didn't participate.
    7% (45 Votes)
    7%
  • As a consumer, I spent more than ever with local merchants.
    4% (26 Votes)
    4%
  • I supported local stores, spending the same as usual.
    9% (56 Votes)
    9%
  • I couldn't find good local deals, so I avoided Main St. stores.
    1% (9 Votes)
    1%
  • Other (Please post in the comment section).
    9% (58 Votes)
    9%

  • 120 Comments

    Answers (1-10)

    It looks like most small business sales were down and yet I'm hearing big box stores are having record years. SO much for supporting small biz...

    I ran a black friday special and only hear from 1 person.

    Despite a lot of time and effort promoting mainstreet businesses in our county it seems the season is off to a slow start. We’ll keep promoting and hopefully make up for lost ground. Happy Holidays Everyone 🙏🏠🎄

    Black Friday sales for travel started early this year and were heavily promoted. I expected a lot of calls for travel. I received one. People are considering. Nothing was booked. It was very disappointing. I did however go out and support local businesses myself.

    I had one customer who brought in a faded 5x7 print to have it restored and reprinted. We will reframe it in her frame. I wasn't expecting much because cars have yet to pass our businesses on downtown Highway 231, which has been closed since the beginning of April due to construction. There seems to be some type of business-to-business problem in the Greencastle, Indiana, community. I hate to say it, but I am guilty of that myself; it's been complicated with other photographers and organizations and a city councilman not covering your building and promoting all business inclusiveness along with others. I do understand that most of this has been done voluntarily. Wilson's Photography was closed down officially on August 1st. 2024. But we are operating under Affordable Framing by Wilson's and Buzz Bomb Photo Fix for Giclee's fine art and photo restorations. We just completed our 48th. Year in business, and the last 3 years have been some of the worst we have ever seen. We will see our options for selling our building and equipment. With some good young blood, I think a wealth of business can be done. It won't be me; it's time to get out completely. 

    This was my first year as a small business owner. I opened my storefront in May and was feeling great about sales until the end of October. Sales bottomed out. I have nothing to compare to other than months before. Election fatigue and the fact that most people do not have the extra income to spend and if they do they probably find it easier to order online. Speculating wildly here but happy to be part of the conversation!

    small businesses cannot compete with amazon, walmart and all the rest that are heavy into online 

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