SHOP LOCAL this year...

The holidays are already upon us and the call to shop local is important more than ever. Supply chain issues have made it difficult for all businesses, driving up the cost of products this year. In the midst of all that many of our friends and family that are running local businesses have lots of great items that are handpicked for Cass County in mind. In addition, local merchants have unique and hard-to-find gifts. Supporting local businesses support our local economy allowing all of us to win here in Cass County.

For small businesses that are doing their best to capture some of the dollars that will be spent during the 2021 holiday season. There are a number of resources to help. For instance, American Express will hold their 12th annual Small Business Saturday, which will take place on November 27th. The campaign, part of the company’s goal to drive $100 billion in reported consumer spending at small businesses from 2021 through 2025. A number of resources can be found at: americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/.

“Excitement is building among consumers and small businesses ahead of the holidays, with 63% of small business owners surveyed reporting that they are preparing for a bigger holiday shopping season than last year despite supply chain shortages and other challenges due to the pandemic,” said Elizabeth Rutledge, Chief Marketing Officer at American Express. “We’re rallying consumers to help deliver a strong holiday season for small businesses in communities across the country. It’s so important to support our favorite small businesses not only on Small Business Saturday but throughout the holiday season and all year long.” – American Express

“According to the American Express Shop Small Impact survey, more than half (56%) of small businesses surveyed agree that this year’s Small Business Saturday is more critical than ever for their business and 78% say holiday sales will impact their ability to keep their doors open in 2022. In fact, consumers shopping small this holiday season have the potential to contribute an estimated $695B into the U.S. small business economy.”

Other resources for businesses looking to attract customers can be found on the SBA and SBDC.

For consumers, the best way to shop local is to visit your local downtown businesses. Having a thriving downtown is a privilege that will only continue and grow by visiting and buying merchandise.

Shopping downtown should be a lifestyle, but a great place to start is on Small Business Saturday says Miranda Johnson, the Director of the Atlanta City Development Corp., and current President of the Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Small Business Saturday is a great way to take some of the spotlight from Black Friday shopping and shine a reminder on Mom-and-Pop shops, which have a proven track record of supporting the communities they are located in. Dollars go further in our community when we make the effort to spend locally. There will be many local businesses that run a special on Small Business Saturday, so it’s a great day to get out and support local businesses!”

Current Mayor Travis Ransom who is running to be the new Cass County Judge says, “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. Shopping local supports local entrepreneurs and businesses that employ the people of our community, and every tax dollar received through sales tax helps our local municipal governments reduce their dependence on property tax.”

Linden City Manager and EDC administrator says, “The Linden EDC has begun a Shop Linden First campaign recently. The kickoff is this Saturday, with the Shop Small Linden Event! Shopping locally has a huge positive impact on our community. The math for buying close to home is compelling—for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $73 remains in the local economy. Compare that to the same $100 spent at a non-locally owned business, where only $43 remains in the local economy.

“Recent research from Civic Economics (civiceconomics.com) indicates that local eateries return nearly 79 percent of revenues to the community, compared to just over 30 percent for chain restaurants. When profits stay local, it increases the community’s wealth, tax revenue, and standard of living. Small businesses and local businesses are still the backbone of the Linden economy. The Linden EDC’s perspective is, Shop Linden First and support your neighbor while growing the local economy.”

Here is a list of upcoming events that you will have an opportunity to support local businesses:

ATLANTA

Small Business Saturday – Find local businesses in Atlanta to support including visiting Downtown Atlanta.

Atlanta Area Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 4th at 5:30PM.

Campfire With Santa: Fri, December 10, 2021 - 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM CST

Run S’More - Hometown Christmas 5K 202, Sat, December 11, 2021, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM CST

5th Annual Hometown Christmas: Friday, December 15, 2017 at 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM CST

LINDEN

Small Business Saturday: November 27

The Lighting of the Christmas Tree: Thursday, December 2 @ 6 p.m.

The Christmas Parade Saturday, December 4 @ 2:00 p.m.

QUEEN CITY

Shop Local - A number of local businesses have extra hours during the holiday season. A number of local gift shops including Queen City Floral, Humming Bird and Blossoms and Bloom along with Bronco Pawn are great options during the holiday season.

DO YOU HAVE A SMALL BUSINESS AND HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP CONTACT THE JOURNAL-SUN.

Email: shawn@casscountynow.com or call 903-796-7133