With Thanksgiving just a week away, many households will quickly shift their spotlight from turkeys and stuffing to shopping in a matter of hours. Stores are already offering their Black Friday deals and have been stocking up on the season’s most wanted items. While it is easy to get carried away focusing on the big box store deals on Black Friday, don’t forget to save your money to support your local stores on Small Business Saturday.
Did you know that Small Business Saturday was started by American Express in 2010. They wanted a way to help local businesses thrive in the midst of the recession and encourage shoppers to get out and support the small shops within their own town. Since then this movement has grown nationwide, and according to the Small Business Administration (SBA), people had spent over $20 billion dollars during last year’s event. So, why should you shop local this season? Read on to find out.
Small Businesses Supports Your Town’s Economy
Did you know when you support small businesses you are essentially putting money back into your own community? Small businesses create jobs, promote tourism, and pay local taxes so money will continue to distribute the funds back into your town. These funds support local schools, first responders (this includes your local police and firefighters) parks, and more!
Provides Personalized Services
Often when purchasing from a small business, you will find the owner of the company stocking the shelves, running the cash register, or providing suggestions that will make you the favorite gift giver in the family! Small businesses have a personal investment in their store and want to make a positive impression on each of their shoppers to encourage a return to their store.
Uncommon Gifts
Buying from the big chains requires little imagination and knowledge about the person you are buying a gift for. Over the years, the big box stores have become more and more alike in what they sell to their consumers. These stores may be fine when buying gifts for acquaintances or coworkers but not for family and loved ones. Buying from small businesses will ensure a unique and uncommon gift that lets the person know that they are special to you.
Small Businesses Need Our Support!
It is widely known that small businesses took a large hit during the pandemic. People stayed home to be safer, and in turn, ordered many items from larger chains. These events caused the big chain stores to make record amounts of money and caused roughly 1/3rd of small businesses to close. Many small businesses struggled to stay open reinventing themselves as suppliers of masks, hand sanitizers, take out orders, and more to keep our communities alive. Now it is your time to help support your local businesses and show them the love they deserve!
What Can You Do to Support Local?
- The obvious answer would be to shop, shop, shop!!! Head into your local stores and buy those on your lists unique items that will be sure to make them smile.
- Sign up for local loyalty programs. This will allow the business to create a better understanding of their market and will provide you with local updates and deals. It’s a win-win for everyone
- Tag your local store on your own social channels! Whether it’s a picture of the amazing dinner you had or even just a statement that you were at their location. Any mention will help spread the word.
- Don’t just tag their store, make sure you are following them on their social channels as well! Small businesses rely on word of mouth to boast their name and having additional followers will help build up their reputation.
Shop Local Year Round!
Now I know I just spent this whole conversation telling you to shop Small Business Saturday, but don’t just wait for that one day – make sure you check out your local small businesses every time you go out shopping. Whether you have a child’s birthday party, a night out with your spouse, or in need of a hostess gift, you will find just the right item at any of your local stores. They always are working hard to keep their shelves stocked with amazingly unique items that will make the person you have the hardest time shopping for light up with holiday joy!
Support U 