It’s small business Saturday this weekend, and that gives me an excuse as to why you should shop with your small retailers and stay away from the big chains and online buying.
Our small towns are treasures. People love to visit and take part in their beauty. Most importantly, these small towns are dependent on a vibrant small business community. Lets face it without small business there would no town.
In my lifetime I have seen the face of big business change over and over, but you know, our downtowns haven’t changed much. Many of the same stores that existed 40 years ago, are still around today.
Big business however has changed drastically. I am old enough to remember the Sears Catalog, that was the go to for mail order goods. But that left the scene and big box stores moved in. At the same time malls were becoming very popular. But then Kmart, then Walmart came along and did their darndest to eliminate small business. Now it is Amazon or a myriad of smaller companies- many of them from China, tempting you to buy from them.
Don’t take the temptation. Stand fast and make your local stores the first option before Amazon or big box stores. Small business is our friends and neighbors. Purchase from them versus the big guys. Keep our small towns, viable and vibrant.
Here are a few reasons why shopping local makes sense. I hope you read and heed.
How does shopping at small businesses help my local economy?
When you support a local business, you’re also supporting your town, city, and neighborhood by way of paying sales tax. The sales tax money is used to support public schools, parks, roads, and sidewalks, as well as fund public service workers, like firefighters.
“It may be hard to see sometimes, but your local dollar comes back to you in a variety of ways,” says Victoria Kidd, owner of Hideaway Café in Winchester, Virginia.
Small businesses are deeply engaged in their communities, so, supporting a small business supports your local community. According to the MetLife and U.S. Chamber Small Business Index, nearly all small businesses owners agree that community engagement is important for their business—and are actively engaged in giving back in several ways—including hosting or sponsoring community events, donating to local charities, and forming partnerships with other local businesses.
Are there other benefits of shopping small?
Yes! The items found in small businesses are often made by hand in small batches, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces. Local stores may also be able to offer customized products, hands-on service, and other personal touches that big box stores cannot. In fact, 52% of consumers say they purchase from small businesses to find unique gifts or offerings that can’t be found at big retailers.
Additionally, consumers looking to avoid the stressors of holiday shopping are favoring small businesses. According to QuickBooks, 1 in 3 consumers say a desire to avoid crowded or busy big retail stores during the holiday shopping rush motivates them to shop small.
