We’re always stressing the importance of local businesses and their role in the success of our communities. With all of the crazy coverage of Black Friday deals inevitably gracing the shelves at big-box corporate stores, it’s especially important this time of year to consider the smaller guys in your area.
For several years now, American Express has helped increase exposure and awareness of the importance of small business with the start of Small Business Saturday. Held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this special event encourages people to patronize locally owned businesses in their communities. This year, the event will be held this Saturday, November 28th.
Shopping local helps in multiple ways. To start, you can generally avoid the stressful crowds you’ll find at large malls and department stores. A large part of what makes a shopping trip successful is the experience. Skip the stress of fighting off crowds of people by heading to your smaller, locally owned shop! Additionally, patronizing small businesses is the BEST way to help your local economy – by leaps and bounds. It’s been shown that out of every $100 you spend at local businesses, $68 of that will go right back to the local economy.
Shopping local will also have a positive impact on the community as a whole. While big box stores do support good causes, it’s more common for small businesses to donate to local charities. The money you spend at local shops is truly helping improve the quality of life for everyone around you.
As we celebrate the sixth year of Small Business Saturday in Milwaukee, we encourage you to Shop Small on Saturday, November 28th! Help keep local, small business alive now and throughout the year.