Small Business Saturday
Why Small Business Saturday Deserves Your Attention
Small Business Saturday is an annual event that takes place on the first Saturday in December. Originally a marketing initiative by a well-known credit card company designed to encourage spending before Christmas, it has been celebrated and marked for well over a decade. But actually, it isn’t just about promoting small businesses—it’s also about strengthening our communities, celebrating sustainable choices, preserving traditional skills, encouraging entrepreneurship, and helping local enterprises thrive.
For us at inkREADible Labels, a small business specialising in customised printed labels, this day holds extra meaning.
Why small business Saturday matters for sustainability
Shopping small means choosing businesses that are part of your local ecosystem, often having a lower environmental impact than large chains and outlets. Many small businesses lead the way in sustainable practices, and so by choosing them, we’re voting with our pounds for a more sustainable world.
Tips for shopping on Small Business Saturday
What is the best way to support small businesses on Small Business Saturday…and every Saturday? Here are just a few ideas…
Farmers Markets – build connections locally and support those who grow amazing nutritious food. Stock up on an array of local produce including locally grown veg, honey, jams and preserves, baked goods, dairy produce and much more. Shopping at farmers' markets allows you to meet and connect with the people behind the products and strengthen community ties.
Christmas Markets – filled with independent artisans, crafters, and food producers and your spending directly supports these entrepreneurs. Discover unique and thoughtful gifts including handmade items, like our customer Hand Made By Rose who specialises in heavenly chocolate.
Local Eco-Friendly Businesses - Seek out businesses that share sustainability values. Whether it’s a café or a boutique, look for independent businesses, particularly those committed to reducing their environmental footprint.
Support Businesses that Source Locally - Local sourcing reduces carbon emissions and supports other small businesses. If a gift shop or restaurant proudly lists its local suppliers, it’s a great sign that it’s committed to sustainable practices. Money spent locally stays in the community, creating a ripple effect that benefits other local businesses.
A network of like-minded small businesses
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we cater to a network of local businesses. This connection goes beyond labels—by partnering with local, sustainable organisations, we can amplify each other’s impact. That’s why we are happy to support Food Drink Devon and Taste of The West to name a few.
Flexible label order sizes for small businesses
We understand the need for flexibility, so we offer label orders in quantities suitable for small businesses. This helps manage stock efficiently, allowing businesses to order what they need, when they need it. But from the other side, we also make it known to customers that ordering larger quantities of labels drastically reduces printing costs. If storage space is a challenge, we offer a label storage service to our customers.
Why we offer labels to align with your brand values
Our customised printed labels let small businesses convey their brand ethos, helping them build stronger connections with customers while offering unique products.
Our mission is to provide printed label solutions that align with our customers’ values. As a small business ourselves, we understand the challenges other small businesses face, and we’re here to help. This Small Business Saturday let’s celebrate local, sustainable businesses and their dedication to making a positive impact. Together, we can create a ripple effect that fosters a community of conscious consumers and responsible businesses.