When you stop in to the local hardware store, liquor store, repair shop, hair salon, or jewelry store, it’s comforting to know where to find what you need. If you don’t know where to look, it’s nice to know that someone working there knows your name or you remember his or hers. We all love going “where everybody knows your name” and treats you like a friend; (Kudos to Cheers).
Let’s Take Hutchinson as an Example
The math has been done, so Hutchinson is an easy example. Did you know that if every household in Hutchinson, MN brought back only 10% of what they spend elsewhere, and every business brought back only 5% of money spent elsewhere, that the community would have an additional $43 million dollars in revenue?
Don’t live in Hutchinson, MN? The calculations apply to any local community on a relative scale! When you shop in your local community, the money you spend fixes roads, pays for mosquito spraying, retains jobs, and so much more. When small businesses thrive, they are able to offer more benefits to employees, donate to non-profits, and invest back into their businesses, employees, and the community. When small businesses experience growth, they are able to expand their goods and services, making an even larger selection available closer to home.
Tired of not having a certain business or item available in your community? Buy everything else at home, keep the money local, and watch these things become available as the health of your business community strengthens. It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a community to make $43 million dollars in additional revenue “magically” appear!
Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday is in November each year. Small businesses and communities across the country put focus on proving to their local community members that everything they want or need can be purchased without driving out of town. Small business owners look forward to seeing you, calling you by name, and helping you find what you need. Many businesses will offer special savings, treats, and other incentives on Small Business Saturday; plan to do some old fashion Holiday shopping, go out to eat, run errands, or do your weekly shopping on #ShopLocal and #ShopSmall.
If You’re a Small Business:
Take advantage of the free marketing items and help on the Shop Small website. There are some great graphics, templates, sample social media posts and more for you to use. Check with your local Chamber for more ideas and to tap into other promotions and festivities already in the works!
