Community Corner
Today is Small Business Saturday
Today's a day to support local businesses while getting some holiday shopping done. Where are you shopping today?
The food coma has worn off and your inbox is crowded with Cyber Monday specials trying to encroach on the fervor of Black Friday. But wait - in between lies a smaller, saner shopping phenomenon.
Welcome to Small Business Saturday.
Today, people across the country are invited (by American Express, actually) to support local businesses in their communities.
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While the small businesses in town often offer unique gift ideas, friendly customer service and expertise that chain and big box stores do not, there are more reasons to shop small.
First, the money you spend in your community supports your neighbors – people you know who live in your town instead of corporations.
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Second, your money gets reinvested in your town, helping to support other local businesses, schools and infrastructure. According to the U.S. resolution designating the first Small Business Saturday, “For every $100 spent in local independent stores, $68 returns to the community through local payroll, taxes and other expenditures.”
Though you may already be aware of some, American Express’ Shop Small site offers a map to show you the small businesses in town.
Many local businesses are offering discounts and specials on Small Business Saturday, just as big retailers do. Check their websites and Facebook pages for more information.
A vibrant small business community is essential to the overall health of the community, said West Hartford resident Leon Davidoff, who owns a stationery store in Newington.
“The crux of what makes America great is small business,” Davidoff said. “We’re your neighbors - not total strangers. Most of the money spent [at small businesses] is reinvested in the community. We use that money to pay our taxes and pay our mortgage. …
“We’re all in this together,” Davidoff said. “We’re a community. We’re people’s neighbors. We’re the front line when people ask for door prizes and to sponsor raffles. We’re here helping you, and we need your help.”
Davidoff said that there is more to shopping than just clicking buttons on a computer. When people drop into local shops, they can see and touch products, Davidoff said.
“It’s so easy, the whole ‘click, click’ and you get free shipping,” Davidoff said. “But if that succeeds and [the other business model doesn’t], what are you going to go walking around cente for? What are you going to go to Park Road for? Just to eat?”
Shopping, Davidoff said, is just like Friday’s Hall-Conard football game.
“It’s an event,” he said. “More than ever, people need to shop local. It’s something we can affect the local destiny by doing that.”
Davidoff said that he hopes that it goes beyond shopping on Small Business Saturday.
“It’s crucial to do this year round,” he said.
I asked readers on West Hartford Patch’s Facebook page what some of their local stores are to shop.
So here is a list of some of your favorite small businesses in the area. Feel free to add to the list in the comment section below. The list is not an endorsement by Patch or me.
Other
Patch readers, you’re the local experts. Tell us in the comments where you found great gifts!
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