Small Business Saturday In Chester: See Special Sales, Deals

CHESTER, NJ — Saturday, Nov. 25, is an important day for independently-owned local businesses in Chester. It’s Small Business Saturday, the kickoff to “shop small” events that emphasize the power of dollars spent in local communities.

Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is sandwiched between the major Black Friday retail shopping holiday that tends to favor national brands and Cyber Monday, an online shopping event that this year takes place on Nov. 27.

The following local businesses are participating in this year's event:

• You're Not In Kansas Anymore
• Perfect Treasure
• Chester Candle Company
• Comfortably Chic
• Endless Summer Sun
• The Eagle Club
• A World of Birds
• Mercantile on Main
• Sneaker Barn
• Trezar Fine Jewelry
• Penny Lane
• Serendipity Toys and Books
• The Jewelry Box
• Steam Soapery
• Antiques by Chester Crafts & Collectibles

Since it started in 2010, consumers have reported spending an estimated $163 billion at small businesses across all 12 Small Business Saturdays combined.

The Historic Chester Business Association, an association with more than 48 years of dedication to Chester's local businesses, also wants to encourage shoppers to consider Chester for their holiday shopping.

The Chester community has more than 80 boutique shops as well as eateries around town. People can likely find something for everyone on their list in Chester's downtown, from home decor to jewelry to clothing to toys to pet products to one-of-a-kind gifts.

Local businesses depend on increased sales in the last few months of the year to help them reach their revenue goals, and you’ll find plenty of in-store cheer and holiday happenings that will make the shopping experience fun.

Locally owned businesses recirculate a far greater percentage of revenue locally compared to absentee-owned businesses, according to the American Independent Business Alliance. Independents return about 48 percent of their revenues back into the local economy, compared to 14 percent returned to the local economy by chains.

Small businesses are typically defined by the federal government as those with fewer than 500 employees.

They are responsible for two of every three jobs over the past 25 years. Even a partial collapse of small businesses could weaken the overall U.S. economy, according to the Labor Department.