In response to the growing trend of supporting local and small businesses, Google has introduced a new small business filter for search and maps. This feature allows shoppers to easily find products offered online by local retailers that identify as small businesses. The filter includes e-commerce brands, local businesses, and sellers from marketplaces like Etsy and eBay. According to a recent Google/Ipsos survey, 84% of people said that supporting local and/or small businesses is important to them.
To access the small business filter on Google, shoppers can look for it when shopping on desktop or mobile or select it on “maps” when searching for local businesses. Small businesses can also add the “small business” attribute to their listings on Google. The filter will be available year-round through the filter panel but will be elevated during peak shopping times, specifically the Saturday and Sunday following Black Friday.
In addition to the small business filter, Google has also highlighted its “deals destination,” which features items for sale online. Shoppers can find deals by typing “shop deals” or looking for specific items like “shop sneaker deals.” To further enhance the shopping experience during the holiday season, Google is expanding its generative AI capabilities. This includes an updated Search Generative Experience (SGE) and a virtual try-on tool that will include men’s tops.