Supporting small businesses doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Even shifting a tiny percentage of your holiday shopping from big-box stores to mom-and-pop shops can have a big impact.
When you buy local, your money does much more for our community than it does when you shop at national chains. Three times more money returns to the local economy when you shop locally, while eating at locally owned restaurants brings in two times more money.
A new Small Business Holiday Omnibus survey from Wells Fargo shows that 74 percent of holiday shoppers are willing to spend more to shop at a small business. The reasons shoppers cite include better customer service, the ability to find unique items, and a desire to support their communities. The report also shows that older shoppers and parents of older children are more likely to head to the store for an in-person shopping experience.
- See if the item you want is available at a local shop before purchasing at a big-box store
- Don’t just shop local—tell your family and friends, too
- Each time you post about a local business or share its posts, you’re helping to bolster its social media presence
- Farmers markets, street fairs, and fundraising events all offer the opportunity to connect with local vendors and learn more about the businesses in your area.
