Supporting Small Local Businesses This Holiday Season

Small Business Saturday is upon us but we would like to remind you that every day is the perfect day to support a small business. After all, these businesses tend to be the heartbeat of our community!

Shopping small keeps money in your own neighborhood. When you shop locally, that money goes to local utilities, rent, payroll, taxes and charitable contributions. You are doing your part to boost the local economy.

Those small businesses in your community are owned by your neighbors. While they’re often not huge employers, they tend to employ local people who know your name and get to know you as a person. When your child’s ball team needs new uniforms or your nonprofit is having a fundraiser, these folks are the first to donate. Look around your community and think about who is volunteering, donating and helping out when there’s a job to be done.

Big box stores and online retailers aren’t supporting your town in the same way at all.

Supporting local businesses helps to give your community a sense of character. Think of your favorite local business and remember that your town is unique because that business exists. Think about all the commercial strips you have seen that look identical because they all have the same stores and restaurants that are only arranged differently. Do you want your community to look like everyone else’s?

Employees of local businesses usually can offer more expert service than you’ll find other places. If they’re passionate enough to open a business, they typically love what they do and are experts in their field. These places often offer things you won’t find anywhere else. While the big box store caters to the lowest common denominator of needs, the small stores tend to focus on specially products and carefully curated collections you won’t find elsewhere.

Vinton County Development Director Terri Fetherolf admits there are barriers to shopping locally. “Sometimes they don’t have what you need or it might be a few bucks more than you would pay somewhere else. Still, it’s important to try to shop local before you go someplace else.”

Vinton County was a food desert for several years after its only grocery store closed. “We lost a grocery store because we stopped supporting them. We have to support what’s important to us so it’s there when we need them and our communities are stronger for it.”

Every month, VCNB features a local business that’s doing something unique. Have a look at our blog to see what small businesses are in your area and that might be a good source for gifts and treats for this holiday season!