Overview
- Local governments and groups activated incentives and events, including Pasadena’s free bus rides and tote giveaways, Malibu recovery appeals, an Altadena market, and a Leimert Park community marketplace.
- Reporters documented busy scenes at Seattle’s Pike Place Market and the Chinatown–International District, Orlando’s Winter Park and Park Avenue, downtown San Diego, and Summit, New Jersey.
- Shop owners highlighted the personal service and unique goods that draw repeat customers, with several saying the day can account for a significant share of their holiday revenue.
- Rising operating costs and wage increases were cited in places like Seattle as reasons community support on this weekend carries added weight for small firms’ cash flow.
- Since 2010, shoppers have spent more than $220 billion on Small Business Saturday, including about $22 billion in 2024, as surveys show elevated intent to shop small and SCORE estimates 67 cents of each dollar spent locally stays in the community.