Shop our local businesses first

According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses employ nearly 50 percent of the US workforce. Encourage everyone to use the approved Small Business Saturday hashtags including #ShopSmall and #SmallBizSat.

As the marketing and advertising departments of larger commercial stores work round the clock on seemingly unlimited budgets to promote their enormous variety of products and services, local owners must take it upon themselves to hear feedback from the community and promote their businesses based on what their neighborly clientele either need or recommend.

“Small Business Saturday is about supporting local businesses and creating jobs in communities all across America”, said U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Linda McMahon.

While some will take to the mall, about 31% said they will refrain from shopping this weekend.

It’s a shopping holiday created by American Express in 2010 to get shoppers to support small businesses in their own neighborhoods.

“It’s always a great day, because American Express lets its customers know about small businesses and asks them to support small businesses”, Norman said.

Chelsee Mahsman is the operating manager for a business in downtown Ennis and is leading the charge in the Madison Valley to promote local shopping. You may want to check in with your local Chamber of Commerce to see where the welcome station will be located this year and offer to help build awareness by printing out posters to hang around town and postcards to hand out to passerby customers containing information on the businesses participating this year. On the big day, residents are encouraged to invite their friends to Shop Small and show love for their favorite places.

You should also find out what stores and businesses in your area are participating in Small Business Saturday by visiting shopsmall.org.

Small businesses recognize the power of social media.

“The point of Small Business Saturday is for people to opt out of Black Friday shopping and think local and small instead”, she said.

But there are many other reasons to “shop small” beyond finding the ideal or unusual gift and having a fun-filled day.

“You’re not just supporting your local economy”, Mrs. Aucter said.

“There’s so much more to it for Winona than just retail”, Kurash said. Now the state program supports 37 communities.

“It can be tough to compete with bigger corporations”, added Murphy.

“It’s an uphill battle but it’s exciting because we can offer the one thing that those two cannot and it’s that small personal experience”. Last week, she also re-launched an e-newsletter to reach more customers online.

After a tasty hot dog and craft beer, we’re going to hit up more west Wilson businesses before heading downtown where Krueger’s Candies is offering a free half-pound of taffy with purchases of $20 or more as well as taking orders for stockings filled with sweets made by hand in the Nash Street location.

“There are so many wonderful artists and I get to do my part showcasing some of them”, said Goldthwait.

When you shop local, you’re putting your money right back into your town and neighborhood.

Small businesses help ensure local economies stay strong and vibrant.