Why You Should Shop Local This Holiday Season

Why Shopping Local Matters This Holiday Season

Did you know that independent retailers return more than three times as much money to their local communities than their chain competitors? And when you spend money online, your community sees even less of an impact—barely a dime makes it back home.

This holiday season, why not make a conscious effort to shop small and support the businesses that make your neighborhood unique?

Mark Your Calendar: Small Business Saturday is November 30, 2024

Since its launch by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday has grown into a national tradition, celebrated annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. It’s a day to shine a spotlight on the local coffee shops, bookstores, boutiques, and other small businesses that are the backbone of our communities.

“What started as a simple initiative to boost small businesses during the holiday season has grown into the Shop Small movement,” says Elizabeth Rutledge, Chief Marketing Officer at American Express. “Shopping small has a measurable and lasting impact on local communities. When small businesses thrive, we all thrive.”

Small Businesses: A Big Impact

Small businesses play a critical role in the U.S. economy. According to the federal Small Business Administration, businesses with fewer than 500 employees account for nearly half of the nation's workforce and contribute significantly to the gross domestic product.

Every dollar you spend at your local bakery, boutique, or hardware store helps create jobs, support local families, and keep your community vibrant and thriving.

Why Shop Small? Let’s Count the Ways:

1. Keep Your Community Unique
   The character of your community is shaped by its local businesses. When visitors come to town, they’re drawn to the quaint shops and restaurants, not the same chain stores they can find anywhere else. By shopping local, you’re helping to maintain the charm and individuality of your neighborhood.
2. Enjoy Personalized Customer Service
   Small business owners value every customer, which translates into top-notch service. Employees at local shops are often more knowledgeable about their products and are happy to go the extra mile to ensure you’re satisfied.
3. Support Your Neighbors
   Small businesses employ nearly 20 million people across the U.S. Spending locally helps support the wages and benefits of your neighbors, strengthening the community as a whole.
4. Boost Local Nonprofits
   Small businesses are community champions. A 2015 study found that 90% of small business owners who donate to charity give to local organizations, reinforcing their commitment to the community.
5. Find One-of-a-Kind Treasures
   Shopping local feels like a treasure hunt. From handcrafted jewelry and locally made treats to unique gifts you won’t find in big-box stores, small businesses offer items with a personal touch that chain stores can’t replicate.

This Holiday Season, Shop Small and Feel Good

Every purchase you make at a small business is a gift to your community. So, this November 30—and every day—choose local. You’ll not only find thoughtful gifts but also strengthen the fabric of your neighborhood.

Here are some local businesses worth checking out: