'Small Business Saturday' encourages shoppers to shop and eat local on November 26

Verde, the new salad-focused restaurant at 347 King Street, is encouraging holiday shoppers to shop and eat small this Saturday, November 26.

The new business is joining the national Small Business Saturday (SBS) movement, which has support from American Express, Federal Express, the Better Business Bureau and others. Strategically planned between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday encourages shoppers to favor the locally owned businesses that are often the soul of their communities. Now in its second year, organizers credit the effort for helping increase same day sales by 27% in 2010, over 2009.

“At Verde, we are committed to all things green, which includes sustainable shopping,” says owner Jennifer Ferrebee. “What better way to help the local economy than to encourage people to shop small and patronize their locally owned merchants?”

To encourage shoppers to eat local and celebrate its Grand Opening that day, Verde will offer several specially priced “Small Business Salads” for only $5 (regularly priced at $8.95). Guests can also sign up to win one of three Verde gift packs, which each include a $20 Verde certificate and Buy Local Card from Lowcountry Local First. Buy Local Cards will also be available for purchase.

Verde’s owners have recruited other local businesses to join the Small Business Saturday, including:

  • Hampden Clothing (314 King St.): 20% off all regularly priced items
  • The Vault (307 King St.): 10% discount for locals
  • Worthwhile (268 King St.): 20% off clothing, shoes and accessories
  • Finicky Filly (303 King St.): 30% off jewelry
  • Haute Hanger (307 King St.): 10% off all items
  • Charleston Mattress (main: 10 Storehouse Row, Mom & Pop-Up Shop: 359 King St.): Free vintage wash tee with purchase of mattress if you mention this deal.  $20 value

To find out the latest from businesses participating in the event, visit Small Business Saturday in Charleston Facebook event page. Other participating businesses are encouraged to share deals on this page.

In addition to driving sales to small businesses, this initiative has customer benefits, like special offers and a $25 one-time credit on shoppers’ American Express statements if a minimum of $25 is spent on the card at participating stores.