Before we begin, Happy Everything! Merry Everything!
Created almost over 15 years ago by American Express, Small Business Saturday (and now Sunday) encourages consumers (that’s me, you, us friends) to Shop Small and Shop Local on the weekend after Thanksgiving. The final Saturday of each November was initially intended to persuade holiday shoppers to physically visit the small/local stores and shops of our choosing, but it has since evolved into those businesses' online marketplaces as well.
Since it’s Small Business Saturday And Sunday, we are using this opportunity to share why where you shop matters. Small business is the backbone (and we’d argue the heart) of local economies and communities. Studies have found that when you shop small, a higher percentage per dollar spent stays within the local community compared to a significantly smaller percentage for large businesses. More importantly, small businesses create an atmosphere of connection within the local community. When we opened the doors to our first shop in 2004, our goal was to be more than a store as we set forth on a mission to keep people in our community moving. As we have grown, we have been fortunate to witness the growth of the local and larger running community while also extending our reach into the greater Philadelphia community and making more partnerships.
Whether you prefer to run, walk and workout alone or show up to every group run or class workout, there is a certain level of comfort in knowing that you have a connection with an extended community of likeminded individuals. It may just be a nod or small wave when you pass someone on the trail but deep down you know that feeling – in some weird way, you’re connected to that random passerby and you’re in this together. Running, fitness and sport have a way of connecting us without words.
With that said, here are a few reasons where you choose to shop matters:
1. Local businesses support the local economy. We’ve seen different numbers and statistics, like 45% of every dollar you spend locally goes back into the community or when you buy local, 73 cents of every dollar stays local compared to when you buy national that number goes down to 43 cents. Ultimately, when you shop local more of the money that you spend goes back into the community and into supporting the community.
2. Local businesses support local businesses. We love partnering with our neighbors in Center City, Glen Mills, Manayunk, and University City. We have made great friendships through working together to bring fun events, services and products to the community.
3. Local businesses support the local community. At Philadelphia Runner, we don’t just sell footwear, apparel, and accessories. We are a hub for health and fitness; our goal is to keep people in our communities moving.
Our shops are a place you can go to meet fellow runners and fitness lovers to share some stories, miles or a workout with. Our group runs are open to everyone, we want to run with you! Our staff are trained experts who can help you find the right pair of shoes, fit you from head to toe in apparel appropriate for the season, listen to your story and help connect you to any services you may need. Our shops house more than just products, we are the headquarters for the fitness and running community – a resource for finding and sharing information about local group runs, races, charity events, and more. We exist to educate, inspire, connect, and serve our community.
So, keep stopping by, in person & online, and shopping local. Thank you for all of your support throughout the years, we’ll see you out there!
Postscript: we'd be remiss if we didn't metntion that our #SmallBusinessSaturday and #SmallBizSaturday (and now #SmallBusinessSunday and #SmallBizSunday) is also highlighted by promotions, discounts, and sales. It's a great opportunity to complete a chunk of your holiday shopping, or stock up on items for yourself (judge–free zone here). Remember – #ShopSmall #ShopLocal
Without further ado:
*Small Business Saturday & Sunday: Footwear BOGO (buy one, get one) 50% off – in store only. All Accessories & Apparel 20% off – in store and online. Online Code: BF2024
Sale expires: 11:59PM on 12/1/2024.
*Discounts cannot be combined or applied to previous purchases. Exclusions may apply, including but not limited to products from: ASICS, Brooks, Ciele, Cotopaxi, HOKA, Mizuno, New Balance, Nike, Oiselle, On, Patagonia, Saucony, The North Face & Vuori.
If you keep it locked here, I promise to give you a brief history lesson on each "day". No I didn't major in history, but I did stay at a.....
And if you're looking for some gift ideas for the humans in your life, or yourself, check out some of our gift guides below:
Forget something from your holiday shopping list? Continue your online visit with us. And keep your eyes open for upcoming sales and specials running (pun obviously intended) throughout The Season!
Super last minute need?!?!? Preorder online, select store pick up, and stop by one of our four store locations:
PR Center City: 1711 Walnut Street; Open 11AM – 7PM Friday, 10AM – 7PM Saturday
PR University City: 3621 Walnut Street; Open 11AM – 7PM Friday, 10AM – 7PM Saturday
PR Manayunk: 4358 Main Street; Open 11 – 7PM Friday, Open 10AM – 7PM Saturday
PR Glen Mills: 505 Glen Eagle Square, Glen Mills, PA; Open 10AM – 6PM Friday, 10AM – 7PM Saturday