Fairfax City Economic Development
10300 Eaton Place, #235 Fairfax, VA 22030  

Media Contact
Tara Borwey
571.229.6912 
Tara.borwey@fairfaxva.gov 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Tuesday, November 21, 2023  

  

Fairfax City Celebrates November 25 as Small Business Saturday 
A City Tradition with a New Twist  

 

Fairfax City, VA – The Fairfax City Council officially declared the Saturday following Thanksgiving as “Small Business Saturday” during its regular meeting on Tuesday, November 14. This proclamation coincides with preparations by Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED), in collaboration with the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce (CFCC) and the Old Town Fairfax Business Association (OTFBA), to host the annual Welcome Station at Old Town Square on Saturday, November 25. The Welcome Station is a part of the Small Business Saturday programing aimed at promoting local shopping at small and locally owned businesses.

 

Originating in 2010, Small Business Saturday marks the ceremonial launch of the holiday shopping season for small businesses throughout the United States. This year Fairfax City once again is proud to assume the role of Neighborhood Champion by uniting small businesses and spotlighting their influence in the community.  

 

The Welcome Station will be located at Old Town Hall, 3999 University Dr, and will be open from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Visitors to the station can indulge in treats, receive giveaways, take photos with Santa, capture holiday moments, write letters to Santa, and more. Additionally, shoppers making a purchase at any participating business through Monday, December 5, can email proof of purchase to economicdevelopment@fairfaxva.gov to enter a drawing for one of 10 Fairfax City Flex eGift Cards valued at $25 each. To encourage shoppers to “Shop Small” during the event, numerous businesses are offering special promotions.  

 

In addition to the Welcome Station, this year Mayor Catherine Read will be visiting several participating businesses across the city. Mayor Read will commence her journey at the Welcome Station at 9:30 am. FCED will provide hints on social media as to the Mayor’s subsequent stops. The first shopper to locate Mayor Read at a new destination will win a Fairfax City Flex Card. Participants may track Mayor Read by following @fairfaxcityeda on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the Small Business Saturday adventure.  

 

“Small Business Saturday provides a fun opportunity for shoppers to get out and enjoy their city,” said Tara Borwey, Fairfax City Economic Development Programs Manager. “Small Business Saturday is also an important opportunity to showcase the diverse small and local businesses that create thousands of good jobs and strengthen our city for residents and visitors alike.”  

 

 “Small Business Saturday offers an excellent opportunity to explore some of Fairfax City’s exceptional small businesses,” said Jennifer Rose, Executive Director of the CFCC. “The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to assist holiday shoppers in finding new sources for unique gifts, excellent food, or that must-have cup of coffee! With numerous new businesses opening in Fairfax City, there’s much to explore and discover this holiday season!”  

 

“Small Business Saturday is day of awareness, promotion, and support,” commented Tess Rollins, Executive Director of the OTFBA. “As a community, we look forward to being welcomed into neighborhood businesses when they open their doors, and we do our part by shopping and supporting them to help them thrive. We look forward to you joining us to build those relationships and spend our money locally to keep those businesses viable.” 

 

For more information on how Fairfax City supports small businesses through Small Business Saturday, visit fairfaxcityconnected.com/ShopSmall and be sure to visit the Welcome Station on Saturday, November 25, at Old Town Hall from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.  

 

Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) is the lead agency for supporting a resilient economy and business ecosystem. FCED serves to promote, identify, and assist businesses with location, expansion, and capacity building services within the city while creating systems and programs that encourage commercial and retail development. For more information, visit fairfaxcityconnected.com  

 

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