They may be called "small businesses," but in reality, they're anything but. "Small Business Saturday" may take place the day after Black Friday, but there's no reason not to spread the love year-round.

 

You may find that you more convenience or lower prices when shopping at big chains, but the small businesses next door create jobs that help our economy thrive and they embody a big part of the American dream – entrepreneurship.

 

And in case you're still looking for reasons to shop small, here are

 

5 Reasons to Support Small Businesses

 

1. Small businesses benefit your local economy.

 

Shopping small creates jobs within your community, and a portion of the sales tax attached to your purchase stays in your community, which helps support many of the local services and improvement projects that make your town feel like "home:" parks, public education, and street maintenance, among others. Small businesses also help to create jobs, which is why you might see a friendly face helping you out at the check-out line. 

 

2. Less is more.

 

One of the bigger arguments against shopping small is that you can find similar (or exact) goods at a major chain for a cheaper price. However, when you shop small, odds are you are looking at a smaller collection of goods, leading to less decision fatigue and more purpose behind your purchase. Whereas you might walk out of a major retailer with ten mass-produced greeting cards since it's easier than picking one at the spot, shopping at the small business down the street encourages you to pick exactly what you need, especially when you're choosing from a carefully-curated selection of products.

 

3. Small businesses promote quality.

 

Not only is less more, but small businesses are known for providing high-quality products that are sure to meet your needs and withstand the tests of time. Due to smaller retail space, small business owners meticulously select the products they invest in and aim to select those that truly meet their customers' standards and objectives. When you shop small, it's also likely that the business owner has established relationships with the businesses whom they choose to invest in, too, so you may be getting a better deal than you think, like longer warranties, more flexible return policies, or exclusive gifts with purchases only avaliable to your local, small shop.

 

4. Find things you can't get anywhere else.

 

Small businesses are home to some of the most special treasures you can find. From handmade goods from local artisans, to kitschy knickknacks unique to your zip code, the small business down the block is bound to have something you can't find anywhere else. If you're excited to buy a souvenir from the mom-and-pop shop while you're on vacation, why not support your neighbors' shop, too?

 

5. Small businesses help give back.

 

When you shop small, you're helping increase the philanthropic efforts in your community, too. One study found that "percent of small employers (small-business owners) contributed to their community in the last year through volunteering, in-kind contributions, and/or direct cash donations. About 41 percent contributed all three ways" (1). Shopping small businesses means that not only does your dollar go farther, but it might even end up directly supporting your favorite local non-profit, too. 

 

From creating a sense of community to helping your neighbors thrive, there are many benefits to shopping small. National Small Business Week is May 3-9, 2020, but it's our hope that you'll continue supporting small businesses long after you flip the calendar to start a new week. Because when you shop small, everyone wins.

 

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Source: http://411sbfacts.com/sbpoll.php?POLLID=0025&KT_back=1

 

Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash