11.29.14

Cantwell Statement on Small Business Saturday

Senator encourages shoppers to support local jobs during holiday season

SEATTLE – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, released the following statement to remind holiday shoppers about “Small Business Saturday” on November 29.

“Small businesses drive our economy and help create jobs on Main Streets across America,” Cantwell said. “On this Small Business Saturday, I encourage my fellow Washingtonians to visit the small, local shops in their neighborhoods. Supporting local small businesses means investing in local jobs and the future success of our communities.”

Cantwell and Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), the committee’s ranking member, introduced Senate Resolution 548 to designate this year’s Small Business Saturday on November 29. The Senate passed the resolution in September.

Small Business Saturday falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday and encourages consumers to shop local and support small businesses during one of the heaviest shopping periods of the year.  According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated 141 million shoppers spent $57.4 billion on consumer purchases during Thanksgiving weekend last year. Shopping at independent, locally-owned businesses puts 52 cents of every dollar spent back into the local community.