On the biggest shopping weekend of the year, Small Business Saturday falls in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Relatively new, Small Business Saturday was started by American Express in 2011 to encourage the support of small businesses and local economies. While creating your holiday gift list this year, consider shopping at the small businesses in your community. In addition to helping a small business grow, you will see many benefits as well!
Find Unique Gifts
Small businesses offer a diverse array of products that you can’t buy anything else. From locally made art to handmade home goods to delicious treats, purchasing products from a local business will ensure your gift is unique.
Support Your Community
When you support a local business, you’re supporting your town. Businesses pay sales taxes to the city and state the business is located in, which is then used to support economic development and public services. In addition to tax dollars, local businesses provide jobs within your town, utilize the services of other nearby businesses and are more likely to support local charities and organization than chain stores.
Have a Better Shopping Experience
Shopping at a small business is a much more enjoyable experience than visiting a big box store. Store staff (or even the owner) are more likely to personally greet you, make gifting suggestions for that hard-to-buy-for person, and assist you in finding the products you are looking for.
Whether you’re holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday or buying products any other day of the year, try a small business the next time you need to make a purchase!