Black Friday sales are everywhere. And while it’s tempting to shop from the comfort of a smartphone or a holiday-decorated mall, consider making purchases that support locally owned small businesses. You will be investing in your community, preserving its character, and supporting owners, managers, and their employees.
Here are five ways to make your holiday gift-giving meaningful by shopping locally:
Choose gifts with local roots
Handcrafted soaps, baked goods from a neighborhood bakery, and art from a local gallery make a connection that’s lost when you click on a webpage selling an item mass-produced in another country. When you shop small, you often meet the people who made or curated the items you purchase. Sharing their stories with the recipient makes the gift authentic and relevant to those who live in your area.
Do your shopping on Small Business Saturday
You could complete your gift list today by buying Black Friday items from sales that began at the start of the month. You could wait for the day-after-Thanksgiving doorbusters. Here’s a better idea: Small Business Saturday (Nov. 29) when many small retailers hold pop-up markets and events. The promotions, giveaways, and customer appreciation deals will help those businesses compete during their most critical time of the year. If you like shopping in person, you will find the stores less crowded, more laid back, most likely with better service, and with offerings that you won’t find at chain stores.
Buy gift cards and experiences
You can direct local spending to independent restaurants, coffee shops, local spas, and more with gift cards. When the recipient redeems the card’s value, the money flows directly into the local economy, helping to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Based on how well you know those on your list, you can match the value of a wine tasting, fitness class, or art workshop from a local entrepreneur. Not only will you introduce a friend or relative to a new experience, but the associated taxes paid will support local schools and recreation areas.
Raise online awareness of local businesses
Don’t just shop, spread the word. Write a positive review, post a photo of your purchase on a social media site about the joys of buying locally, including hashtags for the business and its city or town. Studies show that word-of-mouth recommendations carry more weight than ads. Don’t feel comfortable writing a review? Like or repost a local business’s announcements of its holiday sales.
Attend local markets and holiday fairs
Does your city host a seasonal market for local artists, food vendors, and retailers? Put its days on your shopping calendar. You could discover products you have never seen and those you couldn’t find online or in a mall. You will also have the opportunity to meet your neighbors or make a new friend.
As you check off your holiday list, remember that supporting local businesses goes hand-in-hand with supporting your own financial goals. Tropical Financial Credit Union offers products like Daily Rewards Checking, which gives members cashback and perks for everyday purchases. It’s an easy way to earn while choosing local this season.
