MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development is encouraging residents to kick off their holiday shopping early by moving its annual Shop Small – Richland County event to Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.

While the national Small Business Saturday is typically held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the local celebration will take place one week earlier. Chamber officials made the change following feedback and survey results from participating small businesses.

“By celebrating a week earlier, shoppers have the opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy the big game,” said Ellen Heinz, President and CEO of the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. The date change allows shoppers to capture holiday dollars an entire week before Black Friday and still tune in for the Ohio State vs. Michigan football kickoff on Nov. 29.

Dozens of locally owned shops, restaurants, and boutiques across the county are expected to participate. The event will feature two types of prize drawings:

  • In-Store Prizes: Each participating business will host its own drawing for shoppers who visit on Nov. 22 (no purchase necessary).
  • Countywide Grand Prizes: Shoppers can scan a QR code inside each store to be entered into one of five $100 grand prize drawings sponsored by the Chamber and partners.

Making transit easier, Richland County Transit (RCT) will run fare-FREE all day on Saturday, Nov. 22, with service hours generally running from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All regular routes will operate except Route 15 (Airport Industrial Park), and Dial-A-Ride will be available for qualifying residents.

“Every dollar spent locally helps strengthen our economy and support our beloved local businesses that make Richland County unique,” Heinz added.

Shop Small – Richland County is presented by the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development in partnership with Downtown Mansfield, Inc., and sponsored by Medical Mutual. A list of participating businesses is available on the Chamber’s website.

To register your business, visit the event page at: Shop Small – Richland County 2025 Vendor Registration – Nov 22, 2025 – Portal | Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, or contact Jennifer Wagner at (419)522-3211.