Small Business Saturday falls on November 28, 2026 — the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and one of the busiest shopping days of the year for independent businesses. Shoppers are actively looking for local places to spend money. The businesses that win the day are the ones people can see: from the sidewalk, from the street, and in their mailbox the week before.

Here’s the print checklist we recommend to Detroit businesses getting ready for Small Business Saturday — what to order, why it works, and when to order it so it’s in your hands on time.

1. Get noticed from the street

Most Small Business Saturday traffic is people walking or driving past, deciding in a few seconds whether to stop. Big, bold signage does that job.

• Vinyl banners — hang one across your storefront with your offer in huge type (“20% Off All Day Saturday”). Weather-resistant and reusable for next year.
• A-frame sign inserts — put one on the sidewalk to catch foot traffic and point people inside.
• Custom feather flags — movement catches the eye from a block away, perfect for strip-mall and corner locations.
• Coroplast yard signs — place them at nearby intersections or your parking lot entrance (check local sign rules first).

2. Dress up your windows and counter

• Vinyl window decals — announce your Saturday deals right on the glass.
• Posters and large format posters — feature your best products or a “Shop Small” message in the window.
• Retractable banners — stand one by the entrance or checkout to promote a featured offer or your loyalty program.

3. Spread the word the week before

The best Small Business Saturday crowds are built in advance. Get your offer in front of neighbors and regulars 5–10 days before the event.

• Postcards — mail them to past customers or hand them out with every purchase in the weeks leading up.
• Flyers — post them at neighboring businesses, community boards, churches and coffee shops.
• Business cards — make sure you’re stocked up. New customers will want to find you again.

4. Bring them back after Saturday

Small Business Saturday is a first visit for a lot of shoppers. Give them a reason to come back.

• Bounce-back postcards — drop one in every bag with a “come back in December” offer.
• Custom stickers — branded stickers in the bag turn customers into walking advertisements.
• QR code stickers — link to your Google reviews, Instagram or online store right from the counter.

When to order

Our standard turnaround is 3–7 business days. Thanksgiving week is short, so plan backward from November 28:

• Mailers and flyers: order by early-to-mid November so they reach customers 5–10 days before the event.
• Banners, signs and window graphics: order by Friday, November 13 at standard turnaround for the most breathing room.
• Running late? Rush options are available — 3 Day, Next Day and Same Day on most products — so you can still be ready.

File setup tips so nothing slows you down

• Send print-ready PDFs at the final size with 0.125″ bleed on all sides and important text kept 0.125″ inside the trim.
• Use CMYK color and images at 300 DPI at the printed size (150 DPI is fine for large banners viewed from a distance).
• Keep your offer short and huge on signs and banners — if someone can’t read it from across the street, it’s too small.
• Not sure your file is ready? Upload it on our artwork upload page and our team will review it.

Get ready with Doorstep Printing

Doorstep Printing is a Detroit print shop helping local businesses look their best — from business cards and flyers to banners, signs and custom apparel. Order online anytime, or call us at 1-248-470-9576 and we’ll help you pick the right mix for your storefront.

Shop small, look big. Start your Small Business Saturday order today.