It's always fun to get packages and two large ones were delivered to the chamber office last Friday. All the goodies for Small Business Saturday on November 26 were inside. There are tote bags, stickers, crowns, pens, buttons, pennants , "save the date" postcards, tent cards, welcome mats and even pet bandanas for the store dogs in town!
These are free to any business or chamber who signs up at ShopSmall.com and funded by American Express. Businesses can also create customized social media and printable posters on their website. FedEx ships the items free of charge. The chamber is planning to celebrate November 26 with Santa, hot chocolate and horse drawn rides along with local shops creating their own sales and events. Here's a list of reasons to participate in Small Business Saturday from USA Today.com:
Every day should be Small Business Saturday. Without local support, we won't have any shops or restaurants in Granite Falls. During the holiday shopping season when most retail stores make the majority of their sales, shop local first!
- 1. It's fun. My family used to shop on Black Friday. We'd get up early, head for sales, then meet for breakfast. No more. It's just too painful: no real bargains, crazy crowds, unpleasant employees. Now, we've made Small Business Saturday our tradition. We sleep in, meet for breakfast at a local, independent café and then go shopping in small stores. Nice!
- 2. You support schools, police and fire departments. When you shop small, the bulk of the money you spend and most of your taxes stay local — helping schools, paving streets, keeping you safe. According to the research firm Civic Economics, for every $100 you spend:
- • In a local small business, $68 stays in your community.
- • At a local branch of a chain store, $43 remains.
- • Online, virtually no money stays local.
- 3. You get money back. If you're an American Express cardholder, register your card in advance. Then shop in one of the many listed independent stores and restaurants on the American Express "Shop Small" map — and get up to three $10 statement credits. Register at www.ShopSmall.com.
- 4. You'll raise your property values. Lively, vibrant neighborhood shopping streets are considered an advantage when selling a home. They make your property more valuable.
- 5. You'll strengthen your community. Local businesses are owned by people who live in your town, go to your church, donate to local animal shelters, coach Little League teams. When you spend money in their stores and cafes, you support your neighbors.
Every day should be Small Business Saturday. Without local support, we won't have any shops or restaurants in Granite Falls. During the holiday shopping season when most retail stores make the majority of their sales, shop local first!
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