NEW YORK—This Saturday, November 24, marks the 8th annual Small Business Saturday, and there’s plenty to celebrate. When American Express launched Small Business Saturday in 2010, they kicked off a nationwide Shop Small Movement that would go on to effect just about every corner of the retail world—and the eyecare and eyewear fields are no exception. According to American Express, U.S. customers have reported spending a total of $85 billion at independent retailers and restaurants over the past 8 Small Business Saturdays.

And last year on Small Business Saturday, an estimated 108 million consumers went out to shop or eat at a local independently owned business, generating about $12 billion in reported spend. In addition, 90 percent of surveyed customers said Small Business Saturday had a positive impact on their community.

Business Saturday is absolutely something that ECPs and independent retailers can take advantage of wherever they are. In fact, this year, a number of American Express’ Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champions are members of the eyecare and eyewear community.

Among these are Gramercy Park Optical in New York City, Yankee Eye Clinic in Egan Minnesota, Wink Optics San Anselmo, and many more. Other members of the community are celebrating with contests and promotions, like Metro Optics in New York. 

ECPs and independent retailers can get involved in Small Business Saturday all the way up until the day of by downloading American Express’ Small Business Saturday marketing materials.