BERLIN—Fashionistas, shopaholics, coupon clippers and sales spotters unite; the holiday shopping season officially begins in Berlin Friday, Nov. 29. Get ready, aim and say “charge it” with specials deals from American Express’s Small Business Saturday campaign, the statewide launch of “Main Street Maryland,” and loads of discounts offered by local merchants.
For the third year, American Express is marketing its popular Small Business Saturday campaign featuring small retailers that cater to their cardholders, on the day after Black Friday.
AmEx cardholders are directed to participating businesses in their zip code areas where they can earn incentives like a $25 credit on their monthly statements when they shop at participating stores. As a result, businesses can rack up purchases like meals or gifts of $25 or more on that day, while diners or shoppers receive a rebated $25 for what they purchase on SBS.
The marketing gimmick generated an estimated $5.5 billion in sales nationwide in 2012 and an overall “Shop Small” awareness that even benefitted businesses too small to take American Express cards.
Participating small business that accept American Express cards are listed on the company’s online “Shop Small” map.
To find a local business participating in Small Business Saturday, visit the website at www.smallbusinesssaturday.com. To specifically search for participating businesses in Berlin, enter the 21811 zip code in the search box at the map website http://goo.gl/9RZOJ5.
Several local businesses are also participating in the Main Street Maryland program, whose organizers say is an effort to highlight traditional main streets and neighborhoods.
The program was created in 1998 by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and consists of 26 designated communities that have exhibited a commitment to fostering economic revitalization and sustainability in their downtown districts, according to a website description.
Berlin merchants participating in the Maryland Main Street program are:
Baked Dessert Café & Gallery: 10 percent off all purchases.
Bruder Hill: 20 percent off accessories and jewelry.
Coconut Bay: 50 percent off red dot items in their eclectic collection of Asian art.
The Nest: 20 percent off Boppyowl Bags.
Bungalow Love: 10 percent off purchases and a complimentary gift with every purchase of $75 or more.
Victorian Charm: From Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, purchase any Vera Bradley wristlet and save 50 percent on a second one. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 24, receive a free Vera Bradley zip ID case (a $12 value), with the purchase of a $100 Victorian Charm gift card.
Maryland Wine Bar at Berlin, Ltd.: 10 percent off all apparel and gift items
Sea La Vie: a “door buster” sale of 10 percent off your entire purchase from 10 a.m. to noon.
Sister’s: 10 percent off all purchases excluding Pandora, beer and wine and all sale items.
Toy Town: 10 percent off all purchases.
The Treasure Chest: stop in for a free gift.
For the third year, American Express is marketing its popular Small Business Saturday campaign featuring small retailers that cater to their cardholders, on the day after Black Friday.
AmEx cardholders are directed to participating businesses in their zip code areas where they can earn incentives like a $25 credit on their monthly statements when they shop at participating stores. As a result, businesses can rack up purchases like meals or gifts of $25 or more on that day, while diners or shoppers receive a rebated $25 for what they purchase on SBS.
The marketing gimmick generated an estimated $5.5 billion in sales nationwide in 2012 and an overall “Shop Small” awareness that even benefitted businesses too small to take American Express cards.
Participating small business that accept American Express cards are listed on the company’s online “Shop Small” map.
To find a local business participating in Small Business Saturday, visit the website at www.smallbusinesssaturday.com. To specifically search for participating businesses in Berlin, enter the 21811 zip code in the search box at the map website http://goo.gl/9RZOJ5.
Several local businesses are also participating in the Main Street Maryland program, whose organizers say is an effort to highlight traditional main streets and neighborhoods.
The program was created in 1998 by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and consists of 26 designated communities that have exhibited a commitment to fostering economic revitalization and sustainability in their downtown districts, according to a website description.
Berlin merchants participating in the Maryland Main Street program are:
Baked Dessert Café & Gallery: 10 percent off all purchases.
Bruder Hill: 20 percent off accessories and jewelry.
Coconut Bay: 50 percent off red dot items in their eclectic collection of Asian art.
The Nest: 20 percent off Boppyowl Bags.
Bungalow Love: 10 percent off purchases and a complimentary gift with every purchase of $75 or more.
Victorian Charm: From Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, purchase any Vera Bradley wristlet and save 50 percent on a second one. From Nov. 30 to Dec. 24, receive a free Vera Bradley zip ID case (a $12 value), with the purchase of a $100 Victorian Charm gift card.
Maryland Wine Bar at Berlin, Ltd.: 10 percent off all apparel and gift items
Sea La Vie: a “door buster” sale of 10 percent off your entire purchase from 10 a.m. to noon.
Sister’s: 10 percent off all purchases excluding Pandora, beer and wine and all sale items.
Toy Town: 10 percent off all purchases.
The Treasure Chest: stop in for a free gift.