Why Supporting Small Businesses is Important

With big box stores and online retail giants slowly but surely wiping out mom-and-pop shops across America, it’s more important than ever to support small businesses. While wonderful initiatives such as Small Business Saturday promote shopping locally, it’s very beneficial to have that “shop small” mindset year round. Read on to learn the benefits of supporting your local small businesses.

Better service.

Local shop owners are very invested in their businesses, meaning you’ll receive top-notch customer service from them and the people they employ. Small business owners often hire people who are knowledgeable about the products they are selling and will also take the extra time to get to know customers and build relationships.

More support for the local economy.

Money spent in small businesses usually stays within the community, benefitting the local economy. Small local businesses also provide jobs to residents, so supporting mom-and-pop shops means more job opportunities within the community. Small business owners are also usually intent on supporting their fellow small businesses, further contributing to a healthy local economy.

Investment within the community.

Small business owners are usually intent on supporting their fellow local businesses, further contributing to a healthy local economy and sense of community. Local businesses owners live in the communities they serve, therefore are more invested in the community’s future and are less likely to leave. Local businesses are also twice as likely to donate to community causes than large chain retailers.

Better use of your tax money.

Local businesses require less infrastructure and less maintenance, meaning more of your tax dollars are available to benefit and beautify your community. Small businesses also make more efficient use of public services as compared to big-box stores entering the community.

Keeps your community one-of-a-kind.

If every town in America had the same retail and restaurant chains, we’d be pretty bland from coast to coast. Small businesses make our communities unique, and when there are successful small businesses within our communities, that entices new small businesses to move in, too. Communities with unique and thriving places to shop and eat will attract new residents, entrepreneurs, and future investors. It creates healthy competition, which means more choices and lower prices for the consumers. It’s a win-win.

South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce recommends that you always consider supporting your small businesses and buying local whenever you can.

Mark Your Calendar for Small Business Saturday!

It may not feel like too long ago when you were laying on the beach on a lazy summer Saturday working on your tan. But there’s no denying that the month of November is coming to a close. Before we know it, we will be gathered around a dinner table, sharing a traditional (and delicious) Thanksgiving dinner with those closest to us. And you, of course, know what the arrival of Thanksgiving means; it means that the holiday season, or, more specifically, the holiday shopping season, has officially arrived.

If you haven’t started making your list and checking it twice, now is the time to plan ahead and think about who you will be shopping for and where you will be spending everyone’s favorite day to shop: Black Friday. While we’re sure you can get plenty of items from your list that can be bought at a major chain store, isn’t this the year to make your Black Friday just a little more special? Wouldn’t it feel great to know that while you are purchasing that sweater for your sister, or that watch for your spouse, to also know that you are supporting a locally owned stop?

Plenty of holiday deals and specials are ready for you not only on Black Friday but on Saturday, November 24th, otherwise known as Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country. Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In the eight years since it’s official conception,  U.S. consumers have reported spending an estimated $85 Billion at independent retailers and restaurants. In 2018, you can get out and support the places you love in South Sioux City with the people you love on Nov 24.

Every Thanksgiving, we express our gratitude for the many blessings we have in our lives while enjoying a mouth-watering home-cooked meal. Every Thanksgiving also signifies the beginning of the most wonderful time of year.  The month of December is filled with festive celebrations, watching holiday movies with a mug of hot chocolate, and making plenty of shopping trips to make sure your Christmas tree is surrounded by thoughtful gifts.

As you plan out your Black Friday and the remainder of your December shopping, be sure to include small businesses and locally owned shops. Visit the South Sioux City’s Chamber of Commerce website for a full list of businesses that you can shop at during Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and all December long. We look forward to seeing you out shopping!