Today, Saturday, November 30th, is Small Business Saturday!

This is always held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and it’s smack-dab in the middle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which both heavily feature big-box retailers and e-commerce stores. Read all about the background of Small Business Saturday here.

Growing up in a small town and being surrounded by lots of small business owners throughout my life has really helped me grow an understanding of why shopping small and shopping local is so important.

The small businesses and mom and pop shops impact our local communities more than people know! When you buy local, that money stays in the community. It helps improve the economy, improve the schools, and it just keeps those little small towns going.

Not to mention, it’s so rewarding to give back to the communities that have done so much for you.

When you are literally supporting the person that’s behind the cash register, filling the shelves at your local grocery store, or making the signs at your local home decor shop, it feels SO MUCH BETTER than mindlessly buying from chain stores and making billionaire CEOs even richer. It may cost a little more, but isn’t it worth the extra couple of bucks knowing that you’re supporting an actual family in your community??

I’ve said it numerous times, but there will ALWAYS be a place for Amazon and big-box retailers. I mean, who doesn’t love Amazon Prime when you’re in a pinch and need something that’s hard to find? But, before you go scrolling online for all of your Christmas gifts this season, please consider…

• Do you know someone who owns a restaurant, and you could buy some gift cards from there instead of chain restaurants?
• Have a friend who knits super cute scarves, and you could place an order with them instead of buying a mass-produced item at Target?
• Do you have a family member who sells hair products, makes their own skincare, or essential oils?
• Does your community have a home decor shop with hand-made, unique items that would look SO MUCH MORE special in your home, instead of something from Hobby Lobby or Homegoods? (Believe me, I still love Hobby Lobby and Homegoods)

If you do… can you support them and give a super-unique and special gift that literally may put food on the table for someone in your community?

Please consider this as you go through your Christmas shopping list!

I’ll be buying from chain stores, but I’ll also be buying from small, online business owners and local shops in the community. You can do both, but always do your best to shop local when you can!

Most importantly, remember the importance of shopping small all year long… not just during the holidays!

Xoxo