As we turn our attention to holiday shopping (one for me, one for you in my world) let's consider the benefits of shopping local. Of course we save on energy and we support the businesses in our own community. Whether you shop a large or small company your local community will benefit from taxes, but the best local shopping supports your local small businesses. Many small shops will offer a unique selection and will help you find the perfect gift for those on your list. I bet many will offer other personalized services too - professional gift. Wrap, shipping arranged while you wait, gift certificates, etc. The big boys often offer these too, but not with the level of attention that small businesses do.
Remember - It's Black Friday because that is when many retailers start to go into the Black. Your purchases can help a small business have a profitable year. Good for you. Good for your local economy. Good for the environment.
Saturday, November 27,2010 is Small Business Saturday. Get out of your turkey coma and feel good about your shopping investment all at once.
--till next week Restore, Refresh, Recycle & Renew
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
16 comments:
I have never heard of Small Business Saturday, but I think it is an amazing idea. It is an wonderful alternative to waiting in the endless Black Friday lines or making an online purchase that uses a lot of energy to ship.
I am currently at my parents home in Scarsdale, New York which is a small village 20 minutes from Manhattan. One of the amazing things about my town is that their are no chain stores! There is one store in the actual village center where the owner makes all of his own jewelry. I totally forgot about the store until just now but I am defiantly going to go check it out tomorrow and help support his business, unless I can't find anything I like!
Shopping locally is not only an environmental tip, it's a fashion lover and shopping lover's one as well.
I always feel better purchasing from an independent store rather than a worldwide chain. It makes you feel more connected to the people in your area, not to mention that the selections are usually much more carefully picked, and the owners can indulge their own interests without having to follow company protocol.
It's safe to say I've gotten many more compliments on one-of-a-kind or specialized items than anything you can pick up at the mall.
Although I wasn't brave enough to venture out this past Black Friday, I love the idea of Small Business Saturday. I live in a small town in southern New Jersey, and recently a few boutiques have opened nearby. This post got me thinking that I should support these local business this holiday season. I'm definitely going to check them out and purchase some things as gifts and maybe even some things for myself.
I went to Black Friday this year, which i usually tend to avoid, and it was really awful. Getting 10 dollars off is not worth waiting in a line for 45 minutes. However, with small business saturday, I know that I would be willing to wait in any line that there may be, because I would feel better about the purchase that I am making and I would know that my purchase is lending a hand to a bigger cause. Just a general note, black friday is not worth it, and the sales aren't even that good because no one can afford to put on a decent sale. I love the experience of shopping and black friday ruins the happiness you feel when you make a good purchase. I will definitely be switching over to small business saturday next year!
I was just ing Nolibs again today with my sister apartment shopping and I kept thinking how I should just do my xmas shopping here. I would totally be able to find my sister something super cute, my mom is totally into antiques and I'm sure I could find a place there. My dad and brother a difficult but there's such a wide variety there and the edges of old city with its cute boutiques. I just convinced myself.
I have never heard of Small Business Saturday either, but I think it is also a great idea. There are not many boutiques in my town but there are a lot in the towns surrounding me. I would love to make a trip to help support those boutiques rather than wasting energy on shipping my gifts this holiday season, especially if some of them offer customizing, gift wrapping, etc.
I usually like to steer clear of big retailers on Black Friday, so this Small Business Saturday sounds pretty interesting. The small businesses definitely offer a more intimate shopping experience, especially on the holidays. If you have specific questions, they will be more likely to answer them honestly and give better advice on what to buy who. It also is always nice to know that you are helping out a local business!
I love the idea of Small Business Saturday! Shopping locally and supporting artists are tops. I remember the first wave green. Do wish it stood its ground.
This year I don't know if I am going to shop at all. Maybe second hand alterations are in order. Have a wonderful loving holiday.
I have heard of Black Friday, more recently, Cyber Monday, but never Small Business Saturday. I think that it's a great thing. Even though I don't normally go shopping during our Thnksgiving break, I think it is awesome that small businesses get their day too. I live very close to a small area called Peddlers Village, where there are many small independent stores. One of the galleries is my favorite place to buy gifts, especially this one local jewelry designer.
Living in a small suburb of Boston we have many small businesses, lots of boutiques and jewelry shops. I always make sure to check out these shops around this time of year because they're local, less crowded, and have more unique gifts to choose from. As shopping locally is great for the community and the business owner, it also benefits the consumer. Finding one of a kind pieces with great personal customer service can't be beat around this time of year.
I think Small Business Saturday should definitely be advertised more to remind us of our favorite small businesses that we sometimes forget. I love shopping in boutiques and being able to travel shorter distances for a bit of shopping. I think it is a good reminder for us to drive down the street to our beloved small businesses rather than joining the crowd at the mall. It is definitely something I will consider at school and at home.
I feel that shopping at a smaller business such as boutiques gives a more intimate shopping experience. I also feel that you find more unique and less mainstream gifts which could be more personal. I think shopping locally is such a good idea and most people like myself sometimes forget that and get in the hype of larger stores.
first of all, i love the "one for you, one for me" concept. a great way to get exactly what you want for the holidays! Shopping local is a great way to get unique gifts for your friends and family! not only is it great for the economy but your giftees will appreciate the extra thought you put into going to local and more individualized stores for their gift. plus the special detail they put into the presentation makes the few extra dollars you may have to dole out well worth it!
I had never heard of Small Business Saturday prior to this post. But I agree, the level of service your get at a small local business surpasses the level of attention you get entering a chain store. I agree that these individuals really take pride in their merchandise and understand how to make a customer feel special.
I actually still have to get my presents for my family and my boyfriend. I was planning on shopping online because of how easy it is and I can do it straight from my desk! I do realize though that shopping locally is not only green but there are more benefits to shopping locally because the gift will most likely be more unique and personalized. Also, I wont have to track down packages, they will be in my hands the moment I let go of my cash. And of course the best part, I don't have to pay for shipping! I think I have convinced myself, I'm heading down town for my Christmas presents this year.
Post a Comment