Small business sales are taking on an unusual level of importance this year amid the current supply chain crisis, writes Gene Marks for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Originally started as a marketing campaign by American Express, Small Business Saturday, it has now become a national event that generates sales in excess of $20 billion.

And even with the various concerns over labor, supply shortages, and the lingering effects of the pandemic, small business owners are taking the bull by the horns and pushing forward with it.

“I think small business Saturday is one of the most important days for businesses throughout the year,” said Rachel Riley of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. “A lot of these businesses, even pre-COVID, didn’t even have a marketing budget, so we need to be the champion for them, and we’re asking the community to stand up and help be their brand ambassadors, too”

And local businesses are in agreement. Ed Garden, who owns Merion Art in Ardmore echoed these sentiments by saying “We are hoping that the public will shop local and support brick and mortar stores.”

But however, the day turns out it is good to see small businesses are keeping their optimism despite the current challenging retail environment.

Read more about Small Business Saturday in The Philadelphia Inquirer.