Enticing holiday shoppers away from big-box stores

The holiday shopping season is almost underway, and will unofficially commence on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Many people see this event as a day to stand in long lines and battle overwhelming crowds in the hopes of nabbing a bargain at a big-box retailer. However, many other consumers are growing to despise this chaotic shopping experience and embracing local, small businesses instead.

To capitalize on Black Friday excitement, small businesses must create a marketing campaign so potential customers know that visiting a locally-owned store is an option. Merchants can use direct mailing lists to let consumers know that they can still find a number of deals this holiday season while enjoying a calmer shopping experience. If given the chance, many shoppers prefer to spend money in their communities, but small businesses must alert amenable consumers to their presence.

In addition to direct mail marketing, Business Insider suggests that merchants consider joining their local chambers of commerce, as these groups help to "collectively stick it to the man."

According to the new source, other tactics that can put a small business on the radar of Black Friday shoppers and other consumers this holiday season include offering a deal on bargain-of-the-day website Groupon, giving away prizes in-store, holding contests and leveraging the social power of Facebook.