How to Improve Sales on Small Business Saturday Using QR Codes

Happening on the Saturday right after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday shines a spotlight on local businesses. It gives them the chance to showcase their products as well as build stronger customer relationships.

With so many other small businesses competing for the same attention on the same day, standing out will take a lot of effort and creativity.

How can a QR code generator with logo integration help your small business? You can use it to create dynamic QR codes and advanced marketing tools to engage shoppers, make promotions more accessible, and strengthen your presence both online and offline.

In this blog, we’ll explore some creative QR code marketing ideas that can help your small business rise above the competition and turn this shopping holiday into a record-breaking success.

What is Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday (SBS) is an annual shopping tradition held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 29, 2025). The whole event is dedicated to encouraging consumers to support small, local businesses during the holiday season. 

Founded in 2010 by American Express in the wake of the Great Recession, the event has grown into a nationwide movement backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Falling between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, American Express’ Small Business Saturday event gives small businesses a platform to compete with larger retailers and connect with their communities through the "Shop Small" initiative. 

Each year, it highlights the vital role sole proprietorships and microenterprises play in driving economic growth and strengthening local communities.

Why are consumers excited about the SBS shopping holiday

Shoppers are excited about the event because it’s a great way to support local communities, discover unique products, and enjoy exclusive deals. 

Unlike big-box retailers, small businesses such as boutiques, mom-and-pop shops, and sole proprietorships, offer one-of-a-kind items, curated gift options, and more personal customer service.

Aside from that, consumers also value the bigger impact of shopping locally. Every dollar spent at small businesses helps create jobs, strengthen neighborhood economies, and keep money circulating within the community.

With special promotions, personalized experiences, and holiday-ready gift sets, SBS gives consumers an easy, rewarding way to shop small and support the small businesses around their community.

13 innovative Small Business Saturday 2025 promotional ideas using QR codes

The SBS is your chance to shine. Make the most of it by using the best QR code generator to attract more shoppers, boost sales, and strengthen community connections.

To spark ideas, we’ve rounded up 11 creative QR code strategies that can give your business the edge it needs for this shopping holiday.

1. Digital gift guides

Make holiday shopping effortless for your customers with a curated gift guide! This is achievable with the use of a simple QR code with a Small Business Saturday logo that links directly to your digital catalog. 

By linking a digital catalog of your top-selling or most recommended products to a QR code, you can provide shoppers with instant access to a thoughtfully curated selection.

With just one scan, they can browse holiday gift ideas, discover your best-sellers, and find tailored recommendations that help them shop faster while subtly guiding them toward higher-value items.

You can also directly create the catalog using a custom landing page QR code for a more personalized touch, highlighting the gift ideas and your store’s Small Business Saturday images in one page.

Not only will this streamline the holiday shopping experience, but also helps put a spotlight on your best selling products and what you’ve been doing during SBS through the years.

2. Send an invitation via email and text blasts

Don’t overlook your customer contact list during the Shop Small Saturday. While social media often takes the spotlight, email and text blasts can be just as powerful for driving engagement and building customer loyalty.

Using your contact list, you can send exclusive deals or discounts to your existing customers, encouraging repeat purchases and strengthening long-term relationships.

For online purchases, you can send a unique coupon QR code via email or text that they can use during online checkout.

Loyal customers can use in-store, customized QR codes to redeem offers at checkout. 

To make the most impact, remind your audience about your SBS participation a few days in advance. You can even turn it into a mini-campaign by encouraging customers to forward your message to friends for a chance to win prizes or extra discounts.

3. Host sales and promotions

Shoppers can’t resist a good deal, especially on a holiday built for spending like SBS. 

While hosting a one-day sale is always an effective option, you can go even further by hosting a special “Small Business Saturday deals” with limited-time offers, buy-one-get-one items, and even discounts on second purchases.

Using platforms like QR TIGER QR code generator, you can customize discount QR codes to mix and match these promotions both on your physical and online store. Shoppers only need to scan them at checkout, making it easy to redeem while motivating them to buy more.

By weaving QR codes into your promotions, you not only make redeeming offers effortless but also create a smoother shopping experience that encourages more sales.

4. Build networks in the community

Beyond driving sales, one of the core purposes of Shop Small Saturday is to connect people and businesses within the community.

By building or joining a local association, you can open the door to new opportunities that can expand your business’ reach, create fresh revenue streams, and foster long-term growth.

One great way to go about this is by using a QR code generator with logo to create a QR code for contact information, making it easy for shoppers, other local stores, and event organizers to discover your business. 

This simple step is not only for networking but also encourages cross-promotion between multiple small businesses around the community.

The SBS shopping holiday isn’t just about one profitable day; it can also be the starting point for lasting partnerships and sales momentum that continue well beyond the holiday.

5. Host a treasure hunt

If you want to turn shopping into an adventure, why not create a dynamic QR code treasure hunt inside your own store?

Start by hiding QR codes with Small Business Saturday memes in different spots on shelves, near displays, or even at the checkout counter, each unlocking different discounts, exclusive deals, or fun freebies.

The thrill of discovering hidden codes with different Small Business Saturday-themed graphics will keep customers entertained, while the rewards motivate them to explore more of your shop and make additional purchases.

This kind of interactive experience not only boosts sales but also makes your store memorable, increasing the chance of repeat customers while increasing your revenue.

Using dynamic QR codes makes the setup more flexible, as you can simply update the rewards behind each code at any time without reprinting signage, meaning you could offer different prizes throughout the day to keep excitement high. 

It’s a simple way to stand out from competitors and give customers a reason to talk about their visit long after SBS ends.

6. Build social media visibility

Visibility is the key to any successful seasonal campaign, and SBS is no exception. 

By engaging with your community on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, you can encourage customers to share, comment, and connect with your business. 

Creating an event page also increases your chances of being discovered by new shoppers searching for “Small Business Saturday events near me.”

To make this even more effective, use a custom QR code for all social media profiles. With one quick scan, shoppers can follow, like, and connect across every platform without extra steps.

By combining social media outreach with QR codes, you give your business a stronger online presence and ensure customers stay connected well beyond the Amex Small Business Saturday event.

7. Engage with the community by telling a story

Purchases are often driven by emotion, and by sharing the story behind your products, you can make each purchase feel more meaningful and personal.

If you’re a neighborhood café sourcing coffee from local growers, you could showcase this partnership by allowing customers to scan a QR code on the packaging and watch a short video about the farmer, their process, and the positive impact of their work.

The same idea also works beautifully for other products like handcrafted pottery, textiles, or artisan goods. By scanning a QR code, shoppers can discover the story of the maker, their craft, and the tradition behind each item.

While these stories can be shared through social media posts, in-store displays, or promotional videos, QR codes attached directly to products ensure customers can instantly engage with the story behind what they’ve bought.

By weaving storytelling with QR codes, you not only create deeper emotional connections but also give customers a sense of pride in supporting your business and the people behind it.

8. Offer time-sensitive deals

Nothing motivates shoppers more than the thrill of a limited-time deal. By offering flash sales throughout the day, you can spark urgency and keep customers coming back for more.

Instead of creating multiple codes, you can use a smart QR code for multiple links which can be programmed to unlock different promotions depending on the time of day. 

For example, customers who scan between 10 a.m. and noon might get 10% off, while those who scan in the afternoon could receive a free gift with purchase.

This approach keeps your Shop Small Business Saturday promotions dynamic, exciting, and easy to manage, all while still giving customers a reason to scan and purchase once more.

9. Perform corporate social responsibility

Consider donating a portion of your SBS sales to local causes.

Customers love knowing their purchases can contribute to something bigger, whether it’s a dollar for every $20 spent or 10% of the day’s sales going to shelters, feeding programs, or other community initiatives. 

Highlighting these efforts in both your online and offline stores not only emphasizes your business’s good reputation but also builds trust and deepens customer loyalty.

QR codes can make this even more transparent by linking customers directly to the organization you’re supporting or to an update page where they can see how much money has been raised so far.

By following through and sharing the impact after SBS, you show authenticity and strengthen your reputation not just as a business, but as a valued part of the community.

10. Incentivize customers to visit the physical store

To boost in-store sales during Shop Small Saturday, consider rewarding online shoppers with an exclusive deal that can only be redeemed in person.

For example, after making a purchase online, customers could receive a special QR code that unlocks a discount or a free canvas bag with a Small Business Saturday quote when redeemed at your physical store. 

This not only encourages foot traffic but also gives shoppers an extra reason to engage with your business in multiple ways.

By blending online and offline promotions through QR codes, you increase the chances of repeat purchases turning one-time buyers into loyal customers and creating a steady revenue stream for your small business.

11. Exclusive loyalty program enrollment

Encourage your SBS shoppers to join an exclusive loyalty program with the help of QR codes. 

With just one scan, customers can quickly sign up and unlock ongoing perks like early access to future sales, special discounts, or personalized offers.

This strategy not only boosts customer retention after the event ends but also gives you direct access to a loyal customer base you can re-engage for future promotions.

With the use of a vCard QR code for business details, shoppers can instantly save it to their phones. 

Alternatively, a Link Page QR code can also direct them to your website or loyalty platform for a seamless sign-up experience.

By making loyalty easy and convenient through QR codes, you keep customers engaged well past the holiday, which turns first-time shoppers into long-term supporters.

12. Make a personalized experience

Another way for small businesses to truly stand out during Shop Small Saturday is by creating a personalized experience for each customer.

Local coffee shops could hand out a QR code with every order that links to a custom playlist inspired by the drink purchased. An upbeat mix for iced lattes, soothing jazz for cappuccinos, or cozy acoustic tracks for hot chocolate. 

The same idea also works for other small businesses. A boutique clothing store might attach QR codes to clothing tags, linking to short videos where the owner shares styling tips, like three ways to wear a jacket for different occasions. 

Or a craft supply shop could include QR codes with yarn, paint, or other supplies, directing customers to DIY tutorials or creative projects made by the team using the same materials.

These thoughtful extras show customers you value their business on more than just a transactional level, building stronger emotional connections that last long after Small Business Saturday.

13. QR codes for customer feedback

Take the opportunity to listen to your customers and learn how to serve them better. 

With QR codes, you can make collecting feedback effortless by giving shoppers a quick, digital way to share their thoughts during Shop Small Saturday.

Place QR codes at checkout counters, on shopping bags, or even on receipts, which then lead customers to a short survey. 

Customers can then rate their experience, suggest new products, or even leave a testimonial that can help boost your store’s reputation.

To encourage participation, consider offering a small reward like a free cookie or an entry into a raffle. This not only motivates customers to give feedback but also creates a reason for them to come back.

By asking for feedback, you can show that your small business values its customers’ opinions, helping you build trust, refine your offerings, and strengthen long-term relationships even after the event is finished.

How to make a branded QR code for SBS

Inspired by all these innovative Small Business Saturday ideas? If you’re ready to put these ideas into action, start creating QR codes for SBS by following these steps:

1. Open a QR code generator with logo customization.

2. Choose from the QR solution menu selections based on what you need.

3. Enter the information for your chosen QR code solution.

4. Select between Static QR and Dynamic QR.

5. Click Generate QR code.

6. Customize your QR code based on your brand’s identity, logo, colors, and more.

7. Save your custom QR code in your local file by clicking Download.

QR TIGER: Your partner to boosting sales and community impact

Small Business Saturday 2025 is more than just a shopping occasion; it’s a movement that honors the foundation of local economies.

Beyond that, it’s also your chance to showcase what makes your business unique, connect with your community, and build lasting customer relationships. 

By incorporating our dynamic QR codes on your Small Business Saturday promotion ideas, you can give shoppers something big-box retailers can’t: personal connection, community spirit, along with exclusive deals.

With QR codes and a well-crafted strategy, this annual event can be the foundation for year-round growth and a stronger role in your community.

FAQ

What percentage of people shop on Small Business Saturday?

More than half of Americans plan to take part in Small Business Saturday this year. 

According to a survey by Lending Tree, 53% say they definitely or probably will shop small on Saturday, Nov. 30 the majority of them being millennials (60%) and Gen Z (58%). 

Interestingly, 34% of shoppers also admitted to only buying from small businesses on this day, proving just how powerful the event has become in driving local support.

What is National Small Business Week?

National Small Business Week was created in 1963 and is considered a broader recognition of small business contributions throughout the nation. 

This makes it different from Small Business Saturday, which is designed to directly encourage shoppers to support local businesses during the busy holiday season.