Shop small: Small Business Saturday underscores local merchants' big impact

With the holiday shopping season in full swing now you've probably got a lot to get done in the next few weeks.

At the top of the list, of course, is shopping for gifts, and we'd like to encourage you to think small as you go about crossing off names on your list of gift recipients.

Saturday is Small Business Saturday across the United States -- a day set aside to remind consumers of the local merchants in their communities who might not offer the advantages of scale the big stores do but who offset that with personal expertise and attention.

The national campaign is designed to remind shoppers of the need to help their local economy by doing business with small local stores and restaurants and special service providers.

What a lot of people tend to forget is that local businesses do most of the hiring. Money spent with a local shop or store comes back in the form of jobs, tax revenue and investment.

Patronizing small businesses is the backbone of any local economy. And part of its social fabric as well.

Small businesses not only undergird the local economy, they give back to the community in other ways. They are the ones who volunteer to build parks and raise money to fight disease. Local merchants are the first to donate their services, manpower and dollars when there is a need.

And small businesses offer shoppers a wide variety of merchandise. Many times you can find that one-of-a-kind present that the big stores don't carry that will make someone's Christmas special.

So as you head out into the shopping frenzy, remember to think small. There are scores of places in and around Goldsboro to shop. Stop in and check them out. They are your neighbors and simply want a chance to serve you. Patronizing them can do yourself and your community both a favor.

Published in Editorials on November 27, 2015 11:35 AM