We hear it time and time again. Shop small. Shop local. But what does shopping small or local really mean? American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010. Ever since, there is a big push for people to support and shop small businesses the day after Black Friday. It’s a day where people rally around their small businesses. Why only one day?
I’ve been an advocate for supporting local small businesses for many years. I’m literally a shop local poster child. As a small-business owner in the Downtown, I, along with a handful of fellow small-business owners, were selected to be on a series of Downtown Long Beach Associates shop local campaign posters in 2011. I also founded Second Saturday Shop & Walk, an event designed to connect residents to their local businesses. There are many advantages to connecting with and supporting your local small businesses.
Friendly Faces
When you buy from your local neighborhood shops or restaurants the owner, a family member, or someone that has direct access to the owner, many of them your neighbors, will often greet you. This makes for a better customer service experience. You also create a better sense of community by fostering relationships, creating a connection, and activating your local streets.
Keep Your Friends Employed
According to the Small Business Administration, small business employs over half of the private sector workforce and has generated 65% of net new jobs over the past 17 years. In California, we have the highest percentage (99.2 percent) of small businesses in the country. That’s over 3.6 million small businesses employing almost 6.5 million people.
Keep Police & Fire On The Streets
Sales and use tax, along with license and permit fees contribute about $74 million to the General Fund. Sixty-six percent of the General Fund is used for public safety. A total of $0.68 of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the community.
Small Business Gives Back
Small-business owners tend to live in the communities in which they have their businesses. We are connected to our community via the schools our children go to, the teams they play on, or the charitable Boards we serve on. We contribute by volunteering, with in-kind contributions, or with direct-cash contributions, and often in all three ways.
Local small-business owners invest in their community because it helps their businesses thrive. My company, Garnica Interiors, gives as much and as often as we can. We have a number of charitable partners we contribute to that include children, the arts, education, hospital foundations, and other philanthropic organizations. The same is true for my fellow business owners in Long Beach because we live and work here.
Be Unique
I love getting asked, “Where did you get that?” But I love it even more when I can tell them it was from a great local Long Beach shop. At independent shops you’ll come across great finds. I have been able to find the best items for my kids, my husband, gifts for friends and myself. And let’s not forget the experience of dining at an independently-owned restaurant. They can take chances or allow you to try something off the menu. Get to know your local restaurateurs; they’re second to none.
Supports Local Artists & Makers
Small, independent shops and restaurants also tend to source locally. By spending your dollars in your neighborhood shop or restaurant, you are also supporting local artists, artisans, and makers. I buy from local artists and artisans for my clients, for gifts, and for my family and myself. Having served on various arts organizations, including the Arts Council of Long Beach, I know that a thriving community includes artists and makers.
Stay Warm, Sleep In
Who wants to camp out overnight and miss family time? When it comes to shopping on Black Friday, stay warm and sleep in. Instead, shop your local small businesses. They, like you, are spending time with family. So when you shop on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday, you can feel good about shopping at a store that allowed their employees to take the holiday off.
This holiday season and every day after, support your local small business. The Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy calls small business “the heart of the American economy.” I couldn’t agree more. In Long Beach we enjoy charming and unique shopping districts such as the East Village, Retro Row, Bixby Knolls, Shoreline Village, Downtown, and Belmont Shore. Get out and explore what this fabulous city and its people have to offer.
As President of the East Village Association, I am fascinated by the partnerships in the community between businesses, residents and organizations such as the Downtown Long Beach Associates. We all come together to deliver the best we have to offer. Don’t miss out on Makers Mart in the East Village this Saturday, November 28th, 11:00AM – 5:00PM on First and Linden. Shopping, music, food. Shop small. Shop proud.
Joen Garnica is a candidate for the Second District seat for Long Beach City Council and a Small Business Owner.
Images courtesy of Joen Garnica.