Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Just what is Small Business Saturday and why should you support it in Needham?
Big name national retailers take the spotlight on Black Friday as their deep price cuts pull in shoppers in droves. What about those mom-and-pop businesses all over Needham and beyond that are the backbone of America’s economy? Just when do they get their day? That’s basically the question that was asked back in 2010 when the concept of Small Business Saturday was born. Small Business Saturday is “a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities,” the U.S. Small Business Administration explains on its website. American Express gets the credit for founding the shopping holiday, which got its official start on Nov. 27, 2010, according to the Small Business Saturday Facebook page. Celebrating its third …
Monday, November 19, 2012
Patch wants to know which local restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving.
While many people have the big Thanksgiving dinner at home with their families not everyone likes to make their own turkey with all the fixings in their own kitchen. Needham Patch is putting together a list of local restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving. If you have a special menu, send it over to me at Grahame.Turner@patch.com and we'll be sure to include it!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
$25 'Shop-Small' American Express Gift Cards will be given away to 40,000 people via Facebook.
For a second year, FedEx Corp. has committed to giving away $25 “Shop-Small American Express Gift Cards” through Facebook to 40,000. The Commercial Appeal reported that the promotion is to encourage consumers to support local, small independent businesses and is in honor of Small Business Saturday, Nov. 24. "America's small businesses are a unique and vibrant part of their local communities and a critical component to the broader health of our economy," T. Michael Glenn, executive vice president of Market Development at FedEx told the Commercial Appeal. "With our support of Small Business Saturday, we're helping raise awareness for the importance of shopping small while empowering 40,000 consumers to get engaged in their own cities and …
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Blue laws prohibit retailers from opening before midnight on Black Friday.
Black Friday is starting earlier than ever, as some national retailers have announced they will open the night of Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 22. However, here in Massachusetts, state blue laws prohibit stores from opening until midnight, according to an article in the Boston Globe. Current blue laws prohibit retailers in the state from opening on Thanksgiving, thus preventing them from getting an early start on Black Friday sales, according to the Globe article. Some exceptions are restaurants, health care facilities and gas stations. The laws, instituted in the 17th century, are intended to make sure holidays are properly observed, according to the Boston Globe. Are Massachusetts' blue laws outdated? Should they be eliminated? Tell …
Nathan
9:56 am on Thursday, November 22, 2012
Yes, most stores should close Thanksgiving. No, the government shouldn't be dictating that they have to. The LAW part of this is outdated! more ›