Most of us do at least some of our holiday shopping online these days. It’s quick, convenient, and the deals are easy to find. Others head out to the chain stores.
But there’s another option that makes an even bigger impact right here at home: shopping small.
Small Business Saturday, two days after Thanksgiving, is our chance to thank the local shops, restaurants and service providers that give our cities and towns their character. It’s a reminder that where we spend our dollars matters and that we can strengthen our communities one purchase at a time.
Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as a way to help local businesses recover from the Great Recession. Since then, it has become a holiday tradition across America. Last year, shoppers spent an estimated $22 billion at independent retailers and restaurants nationwide.
These Main Street businesses are the backbone of North Carolina’s economy. They make up 99.6% of all businesses in the state. These are the entrepreneurs who sponsor our kids’ sports teams, donate to local fundraisers and are ready when their communities need them.
When you spend money at a locally owned business, about 67 cents of every dollar stays in your community, supporting local jobs and services. Each dollar also creates about 50 cents more in local economic activity as business owners and employees spend at other nearby businesses. Shopping small truly multiplies the good.
And here’s the good news: “Shopping small” doesn’t have to mean giving up the convenience of shopping online. Many North Carolina small businesses offer websites, curbside pickup, delivery or online gift cards. You can support your favorite local stores and restaurants without ever leaving your living room.
There’s been some policy progress this year. Congress recently made the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent, giving entrepreneurs more predictability and flexibility to reinvest in their employees, equipment and growth. For many Main Street owners, that certainty is a welcome relief.
But running a small business is still tough. According to the latest NFIB Small Business Economic Trends survey, small business optimism slipped a bit in October as inflation, higher interest rates and unpredictable costs continue to weigh on Main Street.
That’s why Small Business Saturday matters more than ever. When you shop or dine locally, whether in person or online, you’re not just buying a product. You’re investing in your neighbors and your town’s future. Each purchase helps keep storefronts open, jobs secure and communities strong.
That’s why we need to make a point of shopping small. Choose handmade or locally sourced gifts and enjoy a meal at a family-owned restaurant. Post about your favorite small businesses on social media, and encourage friends and family to stop by or click “add to cart.”
North Carolina’s small businesses give our communities their creativity, resilience and warmth. This holiday season, let’s return the favor. On Small Business Saturday — and throughout the year — let’s show our appreciation for the entrepreneurs who keep North Carolina’s economy strong and our communities thriving.
Gregg Thompson is the North Carolina director of the National Federation of Independent Business.
