As the holiday season approaches, many of us start thinking about the perfect gifts, festive celebrations, and cozy moments with loved ones. But for local businesses like ours, this season brings a unique opportunity and a reason to celebrate: Small Business Saturday! It’s a day dedicated to small, community-focused businesses, highlighting the importance of supporting and shopping locally not only during the holidays but all year long. Here’s why this day is so meaningful—and why it’s worth getting excited about!
The Special Magic of Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday isn’t just a sale—it’s a celebration of the unique qualities that make small, local businesses essential parts of our communities. Started in 2010, this day has grown into a cherished tradition, with customers nationwide showing up to support their favorite local stores and services. Small businesses like ours are more than just storefronts; they’re spaces where people connect, stories are shared, and each product on the shelf has been carefully chosen with love and care.
At Three Tails, we’re thrilled to host our annual Stuff the Bag Sale, which has become one of our most anticipated events of the year. Our team eagerly prepares to see both familiar and new faces come through the doors, ready to join in the excitement of filling bags with treats, toys, and gifts for their beloved pets. It’s a chance for us to give back with unbeatable deals and a festive experience for our community, and the day wouldn’t be the same without the support of our loyal customers.
Why Customers Look Forward to Small Business Saturday
For many, Small Business Saturday is an event marked on the calendar well in advance! There’s a special feeling that comes with supporting local businesses, and the rewards go beyond just discounts.
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Exclusive Deals and Unique Finds: Unlike big box stores, small businesses offer hand-picked items, curated with their customers in mind. You’ll find gifts and products that reflect the local community, often unique or hard to find anywhere else. During our Stuff the Bag Sale, customers know they can snag some of the best deals of the year, from pet essentials to special holiday items.
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Personalized Service and Familiar Faces: When you shop local, you’re often greeted by someone who knows your name, remembers your pet, and can give you personalized recommendations. This kind of relationship is rare, and it’s part of what makes small businesses so special. At Three Tails, we love getting to know our customers and their pets, and Small Business Saturday lets us deepen those relationships while welcoming new faces into our community.
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Supporting Local Entrepreneurs and Their Dreams: Small Business Saturday is a reminder that shopping local means supporting real people. Every purchase at a small business directly contributes to the dream and livelihood of a person or family in your community. For us, each sale, from a dog chew to a grooming service, means we get to continue doing what we love: providing safe, quality products and a welcoming space for our customers.
The Year-Round Impact of Shopping Local
While Small Business Saturday gives us all a reason to celebrate, shopping locally year-round is just as important. Local businesses give back to the community in numerous ways, whether it’s through sponsorships, charitable events, or simply by keeping the economy strong. In fact, studies have shown that for every dollar spent at a small business, a significant portion goes back into the local economy, supporting other businesses, local jobs, and community development.
Shopping local also has a positive environmental impact. With shorter supply chains and often more sustainable practices, small businesses contribute less to carbon footprints. Additionally, local shops are more likely to source from other nearby suppliers, creating a ripple effect of sustainability within the community.
This Holiday Season, Show Your Love for Local
As we approach Small Business Saturday, we invite you to come celebrate with us at Three Tails. Whether you’re stopping in to fill a bag, picking up holiday gifts, or just saying hello, your support means the world to us and other small businesses in the area. Shopping locally isn’t just about the transaction; it’s about building community, supporting dreams, and creating connections that last beyond a single purchase.
So, as you make your holiday list, remember that each time you choose local, you’re giving back to your community, creating jobs, and ensuring that unique businesses continue to thrive. Let’s make this Small Business Saturday—and every day—a celebration of the heart and soul of our communities. We look forward to seeing you, celebrating with you, and helping you find exactly what you need to make this holiday season the best one yet.
Thank you for shopping small, shopping local, and supporting businesses like ours. We couldn’t do it without you!
Three Tails’ Annual Stuff the Bag Sale: Everything You Need to Know!
Our Stuff the Bag Sale is the highlight of our year, bringing unbeatable deals, unique finds, and a fun, community-driven shopping experience for pet owners. Here’s a breakdown of everything you can expect at this year’s sale:
Date:
Saturday, November 30th — Small Business Saturday!
Time: Doors open bright and early at 8:00 AM!
The “Stuff the Bag” Discounts
Customers can fill a special Three Tails bag with their favorite pet products at amazing discounts during specific times. Here’s the deal:
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: 30% off everything you can fit in the bag
- 9:01 AM - 10:00 AM: 25% off bag contents
- 10:01 AM - 12:00 PM: 20% off bag contents
- 12:01 PM - 2:00 PM: 15% off bag contents
Remember: The only exclusion is our bakery items. Custom bags will be provided at the event, and it’s limited to one bag per family. Arrive early to get the best discounts!
Extra Offers on Popular Products
Alongside our Stuff the Bag savings, we’re offering even more discounts on some of our most-loved items:
Fromm Large Dog Food Bags: $7 off
Fromm Medium/Large Cat Food Bags: $5 off
Exclusive Doorbuster Sales too!
Plus, spend $75 or more and you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win some exciting free products!
Pop-Up Vendors and Unique Finds
Supporting local businesses is what this day is all about, and we’re thrilled to host pop-up vendors at both our Columbia and Waterloo locations!
Columbia Location:
- Heavenly Blooms Mobile Flower Bar
- Trendy Trucker Hats
Waterloo Location:
- Arbonne by Brooke Matthews
- Salon Meraki by Maggi Gonzalez
These amazing vendors are bringing even more unique finds, making it a great time to shop for holiday gifts for both people and pets!
5th Saturday Sale Bags for 2025
The free bag you are gifted on Small Business Saturday unlocks a whole year of savings! Bring your custom Three Tails tote back to the store on any of our 2025 “5th Saturday” sale dates to enjoy 20% off everything that fits inside. Here are the dates to mark on your calendar for next year:
March 29, 2025
May 31, 2025
August 30, 2025
Location
Our Stuff the Bag Sale is happening at both Three Tails locations in Columbia and Waterloo!
Tips for a Successful Shopping Experience
Arrive Early: Doors open at 8:00 AM, and bags are limited, so we recommend coming early to snag the best deals.
Plan Ahead: Make a list of what your pets need—from food and treats to toys and accessories—to take full advantage of the discounts.
Bring a Friend: Shopping is always more fun with company, and a second pair of hands never hurts!