|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Alabama’s economy depends on its small businesses, and small businesses depend on people like us.
Small businesses aren’t the same as chain stores and restaurants. They’re owned by our friends and neighbors. They create jobs and make our communities stronger. Small, independent businesses give to local charities, sponsor our kids’ sports teams, and give our hometowns charm. When you walk into a local shop, you’re not just a credit card — you’re a valued customer, often greeted by name.
But local merchants have had a rough few years, and inflation and worries that Congress will allow an essential small business tax deduction to expire soon mean they’re facing an uncertain economic future. Rising costs affect everything from supplies to payroll, and local owners feel these pressures deeply. Without adequate support, some may be forced to close their doors, which would be a loss not just for them, but for our entire community.
We can help local businesses, though, by supporting them on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season. When we choose to shop small, we’re choosing to invest in our community and in the people who have invested so much of their own energy into it.
Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as the antidote to Black Friday.
Black Friday originally marked the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, but it’s grown into a weeks-long sales event. Some national chains began advertising pre-Black Friday well before Halloween. Small Business Saturday, though, is still the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and it’s a great time to support the local shops and restaurants that do so much for our communities throughout the year.
Chain stores may look alike and sell the same things, but every small business is different. They offer unique items, carefully chosen by their owners, and a shopping experience you can’t find at big stores. You’ll find handmade crafts, Alabama-made products, and thoughtful recommendations—things you won’t see on generic store shelves or even online.
Local restaurants are special too. They bring unique menus and settings that reflect the local culture. These independent eateries give us more than just a meal—they give us a way to connect with our community. Whether it’s a mom-and-pop diner, a food truck, or a farm-to-table café, these restaurants showcase the flavors and talents that make our communities special.
It’s encouraging that Small Business Saturday has become a holiday tradition. Last year, people spent around $17 billion at small businesses that day. Shopping locally makes a big impact: 67 cents of every dollar stays in our community, supporting jobs and growth.
This Thanksgiving weekend, make an effort to shop and dine locally on Small Business Saturday. By supporting small businesses, we’re helping our communities and keeping Alabama’s economy strong. Every purchase is a vote of confidence in local entrepreneurs — and an investment in the future of our hometowns.
