BUSINESS

Nationwide Small Businesses Brace for Holiday Shopping

PUBLISHED Nov 28, 2025, 5:42 PM ET

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Nationwide Small Businesses Brace for Holiday Shopping

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 100%

Sources: 11

United States — Small businesses across the country prepared for Small Business Saturday, as local shops promoted sales, seeking holiday customers. Communities from Southaven, Miss., to Las Vegas and Dayton staged local promotions and offered deals to attract shoppers on Saturday, Nov. 29. Retail groups and local officials cited the event’s origin with American Express in 2010 and SBA support since 2011. Some retailers reported higher weekend traffic expectations; the National Retail Federation estimated about 67 million shoppers. Several markets warned winter storms, tariffs and rising costs could depress turnout and sales. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2010: American Express launches Small Business Saturday.
2011: Small Business Administration becomes co-sponsor.
Early–mid November 2025: Local merchants begin promotions for Nov. 29 Small Business Saturday.
Late November 2025: NRF projects about 67 million shoppers; local outlets report participation (e.g., 50+ businesses in Butte).
Days before Nov. 29: Multiple markets report winter storm forecasts and merchant concerns about tariffs and rising costs.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11

Who Benefited

Local communities and municipal economies benefit when shoppers choose independent retailers because a larger share of each dollar circulates locally, supporting jobs, services, and municipal tax revenues.

Who Impacted

Small business owners and employees suffer if winter storms, tariffs, or rising input and healthcare costs reduce customer foot traffic and sales during the critical holiday weekend.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Small business owners and employees suffer if winter storms, tariffs, or rising input and healthcare costs reduce customer foot traffic and sales during the critical holiday weekend.