I was in a local big box store the night before Halloween candy looking for another bag of candy when the employees were pulling the Halloween decorations off the shelves and began replacing them with Christmas trees, stockings, lights, and ornaments. It seemed like we bypassed Thanksgiving, but aside from large balloons in the sky over NYC and some cornucopias on our tables, maybe we don’t really decorate for the holiday.
I know there are many people out there who start their holiday shopping early or enjoy the festivities and sales of black Friday. I have a few friends whose shopping is already complete. I, however, am neither that organized nor that ambitious, and tend to wait until after the Thanksgiving leftovers have been eaten to start thinking about holiday shopping. And while the convenience and savings offered by Cyber Monday are very tempting, there’s something special about visiting local retailers and checking the gifts off my list.
While most Emerald Coast residents are particularly loyal to our locally owned restaurants, opting for them over national chains on a regular basis, we may not necessarily do the same when it comes time to do our holiday shopping. In 2010, American Express teamed up with local businesses to encourage consumers to “shop small” and patronize their smaller, independently owned and operated retailers. Designed to balance out both the “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” mentality, Small Business Saturday spoke to our increased focus on local, craftsman, artisan, and neighborhood goods and services. We spend more money on local produce and protein, beers and cheese, so why wouldn’t we commit to shopping small for the holidays? In 2011, Small Business Saturday was officially recognized, garnering bi-partisan support from local, state, and federal officials. According to data released by American Express, $5.5 billion is spent during the event.
Buying locally keeps your hard earned dollars at home, helping out your friends and neighbors. Many stores and retailers are embracing the “shop small” mantra, and offering discounts and sales as deep as anything you’ll find on-line Monday. From coffee and cupcakes to paddle boards and beach chairs, there’s a locally owned and operated retailer that can help you whittle down your holiday shopping. Gift cards to local attractions, music, art, and dance lessons, karate classes, gym memberships, massages, and spa days are fun alternatives to clothes and toys, especially for friends and family who seem to have everything. This seems to be a popular option among many of the moms that populate my Facebook and Twitter feed, so thanks for the ideas!
You can pledge your support to Small Business Saturday via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (#shopsmall), and then most importantly, by showing up and opening your wallet Saturday morning. Enjoy the sales and deals you find Black Friday and Cyber Monday and then spend some good will capital right here at home Saturday.
Follow Susan Moody on Twitter @susanjmoody and visit her blog, The Emerald Coast Insider, at www.emeraldcoasttreasurebox.com.