Do not forget about Small Business Saturday

The hashtag is #ShopSmallBoise, but the Downtown Association hopes Small Business Saturday translates to big money for shops and restaurants.

They may not get as much attention, but local business officials are well aware of small shop’s importance.

To prevent consumers from over-shopping on un-needed items at large corporations, the Erie Downtown Partnership is hosting Small Business Saturday. Kidzone says they have 3,000 consignors, so when you shop there you’re helping those people as well. The chamber created marketing material for many businesses in the area to encourage locals to support these businesses.

Here on Main Street in Northampton, there’s a lot of small businesses to support including Faces. Doing so helps to fuel the economy but also supports our friends and neighbors who own or are employed by these businesses. “Once American Express started it and then the concept caught on, we definitely saw an uptick in business”, she said.

With internet shopping just a click away and national stores offering all sorts of promotions, it’s easy to forget about local retailers.

Black Friday gets its name from the time of year big stores and corporations go into the black. “Most of the businesses here are small mom and pop owned businesses, and this community relies on this income”, said Carol Podgorski of Berryville Treasures. “You’re having them go and shop at other local places”, she said. “I have nothing against big box businesses but small businesses generally put tons more money back into the community”.

Small businesses have the power to propel the local economy and uplift the community.

So if you have any energy leftover from Black Friday, shop small across Wichita Falls.