Retailers have high hopes this year as Black Friday shoppers headed out today to begin their holiday shopping.
It’s important for those shoppers to keep the momentum going and keep our local, small shops in mind as they continue their spending into “Small Business Saturday.” It is, after all, our small, locally owned businesses that are the heart of our communities.
Saturday marks the 14th annual Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate, or better yet, shop or dine at small businesses — what the U.S. Small Business Administration calls “the engines” of the economy.
Indeed they are, for many reasons.
Of course there are locally employed folks working for the big guys, but the reality is that when you spend your money with a locally owned small business, you make an immediate impact — perhaps for an individual, a family, and your community as a whole. Small businesses support the rest of us, too. They sponsor sports teams and school concerts. They organize cleanup efforts and food drives. Many times they give back more to the community, and in a way that cannot be replicated by the large, national (or global) retailers.
In addition to knowing you are supporting your neighbors when you shop small, you’ll also have the opportunity to buy gifts you are unlikely to find elsewhere. Rather than running the risk of giving someone the same Black Friday flash sale gift they could receive from dozens of other people, shopping at a locally owned business means the opportunity for unusual — sometimes hand-crafted and one-of-a-kind — gifts that will stand out. The recipient will know there was truly some thought put into such a present.
Here are a few suggestions of local businesses where you might find interesting and unique gift items: All American Cards & Comics in Warren; Boardman Coin; Neal’s Shoes and Uniforms in Warren; Stewart Furniture; Scarpaci Produce and wholesaler; White House Fruit Farm in Canfield; Semach’s Northside Appliance in Struthers; Sheely’s furniture in North Lima; Countryside Furnishings store in Middlefield; TP Tools & Equipment in Canfield; Do Cut Sales & Service; Thumm & Co., watchmaker and bicycle shop; or Thom Duma Fine Jewelers in Warren. Also, consider gift cards for groceries at stores like Sparkle, or for dining out at Salvatore’s Italian Grill, Buena Vista Cafe or Delucia’s.
And, on top of all those wonderful reasons to shop small, the experience itself is likely to be better, as you will be dealing with employees who are far more likely to be genuinely knowledgeable and helpful; and customer service is on-site.
After the rush and crush of Black Friday today, Small Business Saturday should be an enjoyable shopping experience and one that is beneficial to all involved.
But don’t stop there. One day will not sustain a local small business — a loyal, regular customer base will. Take advantage of all the locally owned businesses have to offer this weekend; and once you’ve found your favorites, keep it up all year long.
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