After the crush of Black Friday, is Small Business Saturday.
Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is aimed at helping to support local businesses that help to create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods.
Last year, U.S. consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday reported spending $5.7 billion with independently owned businesses on the day, according to the Small Business Saturday Insights Survey says a news release from Tucson’s Antigone Books.
We’re not dissing big box or major retail chain stores. They have a place and purpose in our community. For instance, if you need the latest brand-name toy, mass-produced merchandise, or an easily returnable gift for your niece is Poughkeepsie — big store, by all means.
Too many big boxes or retail chains can have a negative impact on the community by wiping out locally owned shops. Economic developers call these “category killers” — when big enterprises come to town, local businesses can't compete for price or inventory, and the category goes away. At one time Tucson had mom-and-pop office supply and book stores, which are both rare these days.
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Why shop locally?
Here’s what Local First Arizona, a nonprofit advocacy group, about shopping at locally owned businesses:
- Your money is recirculated over and over, creating up to 75 percent more tax revenue to our community and state.
- Locally owned use local services, buy supplies at local shops and donate to local charities.
- Some local businesses link special events, such as speakers, music or samples, to their seasonal sales.
- Importantly, you can get items that are unique to Tucson and Southern Arizona and not available anywhere else. Local businesses stock and staff up for the holidays to ensure selection and service.
But wait, there’s more
Hundreds of independent bookstores across the country will be hosting local authors today in a effort called Indies First.
Launched by author Sherman Alexie, Indies First encourages authors to volunteer at their local store, to give back some of the support that independent bookstores have traditionally given to authors. Check out the effort at IndieBound.org online.
Antigone and Mostly Books will have authors in today signing their books and chatting with customers.
