Promoting the program
Thank you for partnering with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to promote Shop Small Wisconsin. The Shop Small season encourages consumers to support local, small businesses in their communities.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed Nov. 29 through Dec. 31 as the official Shop Small Wisconsin season, but Wisconsinsites are encouraged to start shopping local for the holidays now.
While the campaign officially kicks off on Nov. 29, everyone across Wisconsin is encouraged to support the small businesses in their community year-round by visiting storefronts. However, small business owners emphasize how important the holiday shopping season is to the success of their businesses. You can do your part by promoting this campaign and shopping local whenever you can!
WEDC will be promoting the campaign through the holiday shopping season, so be sure to follow the channels below for up-to-date posts that will feature testimonials from small business owners and community advocates, as well as highlights from official visits from Deputy Secretary Sam Rikkers and other members of the WEDC team!
List of Planned WEDC Visits
Nov. 17: Lake Mills
Nov. 21: Cassville
Nov. 21: Gays Mills
Nov. 25: Mount Horeb
Nov. 25: Sauk City
Nov. 29: Monroe
Nov. 29: New Glarus
Dec. 4: Bonduel
Dec. 4: Peshtigo
Dec. 6: Madison
Dec. 13: Door County
Dec. 17: Eau Claire
Additional Social Channel Details
Hashtag: #ShopSmallWI
Channels:
Facebook: @WEDCcommunity
Instagram: @wedccommunity
LinkedIn: Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
X/Twitter: @WEDCNews
We have provided assets below to help promote this year’s campaign. Happy Holidays!
Campaign Launch Post
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WEDC is encouraging everyone to #ShopSmallWI this holiday season. If you are planning to get a head start on your holiday shopping, you should consider visiting locally owned businesses in your community.
The majority of every dollar you spend at a local business goes back to supporting your community!
Photo for LinkedIn and Facebook
Governor's proclamation post
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Governor Tony Evers has declared Nov.. 29 – Dec. 31 as a time to celebrate and support Wisconsin’s small businesses!
This holiday season, join WEDC in making a big impact by shopping local. Explore the unique shops, restaurants, and makers in your community and help keep Wisconsin thriving.
🛍️#ShopSmallWI and show your support for locally owned businesses!
WEDC logo
Wisconsin logo
Small Business Saturday
Carousel post
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Participating in #ShopSmallWI helps keep local businesses thriving.
Warm up from the cold weather and find a local business to support this holiday season.
It’s a great way to invest in your community and find products made in our great state.
The majority of every dollar you spend at a local business goes back to supporting your community!
Carousel post graphics
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Supporting Statistics/Facts
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
- Holiday season accounts for more than 1/3 of annual revenue for many retailers.
Source: International Council of Shopping Centers
- Nearly 80% of U.S. adults shopped during five-day Thanksgiving weekend.
Source: 2024 survey of Wisconsin shoppers at downtown holiday events
- 86% made retail purchases
- 70% dined out
Source: American Express
- In 2023, the reported projected spending in the U.S. from those who shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday was around $17 billion. (External link).
- Since 2010, the total reported U.S. spending at small businesses during the annual Small Business Saturday is an estimated $201 billion. (External link)
Source: Bankrate
- 61% of shoppers in a Bankrate survey said they were likely to shop on Small Business Saturday, compared to 56% for Black Friday. (External link)
- Comparing small and large businesses across a range of criteria, nearly all survey respondents (96%) said small businesses provided better experiences in at least one trait. More than half of respondents said small businesses are better at offering unique gift ideas (56%) and superior customer service (54%). Plus, 44% said small businesses foster a sense of community. (External link)
