Free Downtown Parking on Small Business Saturday

The Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce announced today that American Express and Patch, as part of their commitment to shopping locally, have teamed up to sponsor free parking in 50 towns across America and have chosen to sponsor select Portsmouth downtown parking meters Saturday, November 30, 2013. 

According to Kaeley Doyle, project manager for Patch, “We chose (Portsmouth) because we think that your thriving community and downtown area are a perfect fit for the event. American Express created Small Business Saturday in 2010 as a way to support small businesses in your local community. It is celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and is the perfect way to support local businesses. It’s no secret that parking can be tough when it comes time for holiday shopping. We decided to make things a little easier, so park on us this November 30. BlackFriday and CyberMonday are about the thrill of the hunt. Small Business Saturday is about the thrill of discovery.”

About Free Parking in select locations

American Express and Patch.com are offering free on-street parking in select downtown Portsmouth areas from 11am - 7pm for Small Business Saturday, November 30. Free on-street parking locations can be found at ShopPortsmouth.org. People should be sure to check at either the meter or the Pay & Display kiosk applicable for their parking spot to be sure they are parking in a free spot. The three-hour time limit still applies! 

About American Express member offer

Beyond the free parking, American Express has made an offer to its members – a one time $10 statement credit for spending $10 or more in a single, in-store transaction on 11/30/13. Card Members must register an eligible American Express Card and use that Card to redeem this offer. (Info at: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/Shop-Small/) Registration is limited and starts Nov 24. Go to Offer Terms for full details. 

Where to shop for the member offer?

Hundreds of Portsmouth area businesses – shops, restaurants, attractions, services, etc. - have registered as SBS participants. See the Small Business Saturday Map of participating businesses at: http://merchantgeo.force.com/CardMember/ShopSmall?id=92394&selectedlanguage=American+English?

In addition to free parking and the member offer, representatives from Patch and American Express will be passing out free giveaways and discussing American Express’ support of local businesses at the Kiosk at Market Square.

According to Valerie Rochon, Tourism Director for the Chamber, “Small Business Saturday is the perfect time to visit Portsmouth to sample all it has to offer – shopping at independent boutiques, visiting art galleries, dining at the numerous eclectic restaurants in town. And, our Portsmouth retailers make it easy. So shop local and join us on Small Business Saturday!”