Madison, Wis. – Dane Buy Local Executive Director Colin Murray, Dane County Executive
Joe Parisi, and Bank of Sun Prairie Senior Vice President Retail John Loeffler join other
local business leaders to commemorate Dane Buy Local’s 13th Shop Indie Local campaign. The event highlights Dane Buy Local’s 600 members and the importance of
supporting local businesses throughout the holiday season.
“Bank of Sun Prairie is proud to be a presenting sponsor for Shop Indie Local for the third
year,” says Chief Retail Officer John Loeffler. “We encourage you to support local,
independent businesses. They’re the lifeblood of our communities. They support our local
events, nonprofits, school fundraisers and provide services vital to our everyday life.”
Loeffler continues, “As Bank of Sun Prairie, a locally owned, independent community bank celebrates our 125 th anniversary, we are thrilled to do our part is supporting this initiative at such an important time of year.”
“Our small businesses are unique and help define Dane County’s culture,” said County
Executive Joe Parisi. “By participating in Small Business Saturday and Shop Indie Local,
Dane County residents do their part to keep our community vibrant and local economy
healthy through the holiday season and beyond.”
Small Business Saturday focuses on local business. Has Small Business Saturday made a
difference?
- U.S. shoppers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reported spending a record high total of an estimated $23.3 billion, up from $19.8 in 2020.
- 66% reported that the day makes them want to Shop Small all year long.
- Online shopping at a small business on Small Business Saturday was up slightly, with 58% of shoppers reporting that they made a purchase online, compared to 56% in 2020 and 43% in 2019.
- More shoppers were eager to support independent restaurants with 54% reporting they dined or ordered takeout from a small restaurant, bar, or café, up from 48% in 2020.
- 70% of respondents reported Small Business Saturday makes them want to encourage others to shop at small, independently owned retailers.
“Small Business Saturday is the perfect time to look for holiday gifts for loved ones or
yourself while supporting local businesses,” says Colin Murray, Executive Director for
Dane Buy Local. “When you spend your dollars at locally owned retail businesses rather
than a chain store, more money returns to the local economy.”
According to Civic Economics, when you spend a dollar at an independent business, approximately 47 cents return to the local economy. When spent at a chain store, only 14 cents return. Spent at an online giant, only a few pennies return. The 47 cents also recirculate through the local economy, generating a ripple effect that strengthens jobs, charitable contributions, and community prosperity.
Shop Indie Local activites go through December, including The Passport Program (November 1-December 18), Plaid Friday (November 25), Small Business Saturday (November 26), Artist Sunday (November 27), Local Cyber Monday (November 28), and Giving Tuesday (November 29), Shopping Local (all year long).
For more information, contact Colin Murray at colin@danebuylocal.com or (608) 712-3440, or visit danebuylocal.com.
