Notes from Town Square: Shopping small on Small Business Saturday

It’s November so you know what that means! The holidays are coming up quickly and shopping is on our minds. Green River URA/Main Street would like to remind everyone to shop small and support our local businesses. Small Business Saturday is Nov. 25 and is the perfect opportunity to find those special gifts for our loved ones.

Why should we shop and spend money locally?  

Helps to stimulate the local economy

When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned stores, about 70 cents of every dollar stays local. Only 40 cents of every dollar spent stays local when shopping at a big box store.  Also, the sales tax revenue that is generated from local purchases supports the services our city provides to our residents.

Preserves community character

The unique character of our local community is defined in large part by the businesses that reside here. Locally owned shops provide more of a custom selection geared for the local market and our particular needs and interests.

Helps local charities, schools and other programs.

On average, locally owned businesses give three times as much as corporate chains.

Provides jobs

Small businesses are the largest employers nationally. A town with many small, local businesses employs more people than a town with a Big Box store.

Ensures better quality and uniqueness

A town that has many small businesses ensures innovation and lower prices over the long-term. Small businesses are also more likely to carry items that you won’t find in big box stores.

An added perk to shopping on Small Business Saturday is that you can avoid the chaos of Black Friday. Navigating the crowds can be frustrating and finding what you’re looking for can be a challenge. Cyber Monday follows next, but I find it is often easier to find the perfect gift for someone when I am actually in a store rather than shopping online.

You don’t have to wait for Small Business Saturday to get some holiday shopping done either. There will be a Small Business Showcase Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Island Pavilion in Green River. It’s a great opportunity to explore what our local business community has to offer. Many home-based merchants attend and display their otherwise hidden treasures so make sure you stop by and see for yourself. You never know what you may find right here at home.