Every year in November, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, locally-owned retailers and boutiques across America celebrate their own unique holiday—“Small Business Saturday.” While we’re past November and into December, the “Shop Small” mindset is something we can embrace throughout the holiday season. It’s not just a mindset; it’s a movement.
A movement with tremendous benefits on the local economy.
American Express estimates that 68 cents of every dollar spent at a locally-owned business stays within the community, versus 43 cents of every dollar spent at a big-box store. It doesn’t take a degree in economics to understand how much that kind of math benefits everyone!
Plus, shopping local creates more jobs! In 2017, Forbes reported that for every $10 million spent at a local level, 57 jobs were created, versus only 14 jobs when that same amount was spent with Amazon.com. It adds stability to our communities when people are gainfully employed!
And shopping local is just fun! From the offbeat and whimsical to the unique and one-of-a-kind, small retailers are more likely to support other small businesses and artisans. That opens up a tremendous opportunity to find unique and locally-made gifts.
If you’re one of those people for whom customer service is important, think small. Small business owners have a much more vested interest in making sure their customers are happy, versus big retail. After all, customers contribute to their livelihood. Making customers feel great is an important part of creating new customer loyalty and stimulating word-of-mouth recommendations.
For the environmentalists, shopping small makes sense regarding the environmental footprints we leave. With fewer transportation costs involved, retailers can offer better prices and “go green.” A double win!
Supporting local businesses is about neighbors helping neighbors. In a sense, it’s a “pay-it-forward” kind of action. When someone shops or dines at a locally-owned business, that business owner can hire people, who can then turn around and spend money locally for their families, and support local organizations.
It’s very tempting during the craziness of the holiday season simply to go online and click “Add to cart,” and let all your holiday gifts be delivered straight to your house. But for small business owners, Internet shopping takes a tremendous toll on the small businesses within the community who are supporting Little League teams, schools, churches, and other local organizations. There’s truly an economic benefit that comes from shopping locally and shopping small. Like a rock dropped in a still pond, the ripple effect is wide-reaching!
Besides—shopping is social! It’s a great time to spend with Mom, sisters, aunts, cousins, and girlfriends!
As the holiday shopping season begins, please shop at as many small, locally-owned businesses as possible…retail boutiques…local markets… local restaurants…local gas stations…the hundreds of businesses owned and operated by Forsyth County residents—your very neighbors.
As a small business, too, Forsyth Magazines are a big proponent of “Loyal to Local.” We are supported by other locally-owned businesses, including retailers who are perfectly positioned to help holiday shoppers find the perfect gifts for everyone on their lists. Check the sidebar for some of our advertising partners and remember—think small, shop small!
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The following retailers and restaurants are all locally-owned and have ads in this month’s issue of Forsyth Family! Be sure to check them out as you shop for the holidays!*
- Christina’s Dessertery
- Clemmons Bike
- Clemmons Village Shopping Center
- Crossnore
- Dero’s
- HakkaChow Asian Eats
- Hip Chics Boutique
- Honda of Winston-Salem
- Honky Tonk Smokehouse
- Kaleideum
- Legacy Saddlebreds
- Little Richard’s BBQ
- Mac & Nelli’s
- Midtown Cafe & Dessertery
- Nothing Bundt Cake
- Pie Guys’ Pizza
- Reynolda Garden Boutique
- Rolly’s
- Twin City Artisans
- Wine Merchants
*Be sure to check our Advertiser Index for a full list of our advertising supporters and for page numbers of their ads!
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An example of a small business being supported by the community:
“I have been a HUGE fan [of Hip Chics] for years! I always am greeted with a smile and made to feel like part of the family! A great one-stop-shop for gifts and some super-cute clothes! The baby clothes and gifts are adorable and like nothing you can find at a big-box store! Great hostess/birthday/shower gifts! No need for Nordstrom! Great styles for the whole family. This is an excellent group of women with a heart for customer service and the community!” ~ S. Griffis
