Madison’s Central Business Improvement District: Support “Small Business Saturday” at the Downtown Madison holiday open house, Saturday, Nov. 27

Activities for Kids & Families – Special Offers & Complimentary Refreshments at Select Merchants – Trolley Rides & Gift Bags – Holiday Lights

MADISON, Wis. (November 12, 2010) – American Express’s CEO announced earlier this week that his company will promote “Small Business Saturday’’ on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 27), saying that large retailers have Black Friday, online retailers have Cyber Monday, “and now, starting on Nov. 27 of this year, small business owners will have Small Business Saturday.’’

http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday?v=app_121714311223837

In 2008, Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID) started the “Downtown Madison Holiday Open House” to promote small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and invite the public to again visit downtown small businesses to shop and dine this Thanksgiving weekend.

The 3rd annual Downtown Holiday Open House will be Saturday, November 27, 2010, from 10 am to 6 pm, on State Street and the Capitol Square. “The central downtown is home to 370 retail, restaurant, entertainment and service small businesses, 85% of which are locally owned” said BID Executive Director Mary Carbine. “The BID started the tradition of the Downtown Madison Holiday Open House to support our downtown small businesses, and to provide a unique, ‘local flavor’ shopping experience over the Thanksgiving weekend.”

Downtown Holiday Open House Activities include special offers & complimentary refreshments at 40 downtown shops, restaurants and museums, free holiday trolley rides & gift bags, holiday lights, and fun for kids and families. Free and open to the public. Information and list of participating businesses is at http://www.visitdowntownmadison.com or (608) 512-1342.

The Downtown Holiday Open House is brought to you by Madison’s Central Business Improvement District (BID), the Greater State Street Business Association (GSSBA), and IsthmusParents.com .

The free holiday trolley continues downtown on Saturdays through December 18, along with a Downtown Information Table at Overture Center, and volunteer caroling groups strolling the District. Information and schedule at http://www.visitdowntownmadison.com or (608) 512-1342.