Over the past year and a half, small businesses all over the world have been hit hard by the on-going pandemic. Many of them were unprepared for the changes the pandemic would create – customers shopping from home and utilizing online shopping and deliveries, restaurants limiting capacities, and the dangers a new virus present. Many businesses continue to struggle and need the support of their local communities to keep them going. More than ever, it’s important to support your local small businesses during the upcoming holiday shopping season.
Small businesses support local economy and communities in more ways than you realize. Every time you purchase a local item or participate in a local event or class, you’re making a difference in your community. For every $100 spent in a local business, approximately $67 remain in the local economy. When spending the same at a non-local business, only $43 stays in the community. Over the United States, more than $9.3 billion would be directly returned to the economy if every family spent just $10 a month at a local business. Wages, taxes, and donations from local businesses support the local economy. Small business donations and support help fund many of our local events, such as 50s Fest & Car Cruise, Light Up Night, and even the Greene County Fair. In fact, small businesses donate 250% more than large businesses to community causes and that makes a BIG impact for local charities, youth organizations, and local service groups. (Visit https://www.score.org/resource/infographic-small-business-charitable-giving-big-impact-local-communities for more information on small businesses and charitable giving.)
Small businesses offer employment opportunities and committed employees. 56% of workers at locally owned businesses have high commitment scores compared to only 38.7% of workers at non-locally owned businesses. And because these employees are usually local, they have community ties that make them passionate about helping those in their community. This often is reflected in the customer service offered by local businesses; because they are part of your community, employees and owners are engaged with the customers on a one-on-one level and want to make them happy.
Shopping small is better for the environment. Many small businesses use locally sourced, recyclable, or recycled materials in their business. This helps reduce their economic footprint; by purchasing locally you can help reduce pollution, processing, packaging, and transportation waste.
Small businesses offer a unique selection of items. Among the many reasons people shop small, the majority says it’s the availability of unique products that keeps them shopping local. There’s no better way to sway shoppers to your own business than emphasizing what makes your business unique, whether it’s the merchandise you sell, the outstanding customer service you offer, or something different. Other reasons consumers shop locally include not finding the items from bigger businesses, supporting the community, trying new retailers, broader assortment if items, and innovative shopping experiences.
Our quiet little corner of southwestern Pennsylvania has more to offer local shoppers than you may recognize. Spread throughout the county and its neighboring communities are specialty gourmet candy & baked good shops, several antiques & collectibles shops, hand crafted Americana gifts and décor, great deals on brand name fashions for men & women, organic foods, herbals, skin and health care, salons, pet & farm supply, custom computer store, a home decorating centers, seasonal flag stores, sporting goods stores, floral shops, gift shops, an independent book store, and more.
Oh, and speaking of food… you can find plenty of delicious options to choose from: sizzlin’ steaks and BBQ, authentic Mexican, enchanting Chinese, kiln to table delicacies, homemade baked goods, home-cooked cuisine, and so much more. It’s ALL right here!
And don’t forget our local artisans! Greene County is home to a large creative community, including potters, painters, jewelry fabricators, soap makers, custom home décor creators, authors, and more. While many don’t have physical storefronts to sell their creations, they often have online stores or can be found at the local vendor & craft events held throughout the county during the holidays.
This year remember that “Shop Small” or “Buy Local” are more than just slogans for many businesses. It’s the difference between being open in 2023 and having to close their doors permanently.
