Local businesses are the lifeblood of any small community. They boost our economy, they offer goods and services that, in many cases, we might not otherwise be able to find in the confines of our county boundaries, and the owners are usually very benevolent when it comes to supporting local schools and charities.
That’s why we often urge from this page shopping local, returning a portion of the retail dollars we spend each week to the people who help to make this community strong.
Next Friday, also known by most as Black Friday, is all about the retail experience, and we are hoping some of the dollars being spent on the busiest shopping day of the year will be dropped in local cash registers, as we make purchases from downtown business and stores within Sampson’s borders.
But we don’t want it to stop on Friday.
Next Saturday, Nov. 30, is dubbed Small Business Saturday, and it is focused solely on small businesses and support for those who have set up their shops in our cities and towns.
As it has for the past few years now, the Clinton Main Street Program, in partnership with other entities across the city and county, is working to promote patrons shopping locally and building the local economy, giving our friends and neighbors who own businesses here a shot in the arm during a time of year when so many turn away from local to do their purchasing.
Shopping local is a way to return loyalty to those who support our community’s endeavors and, at the same time, get some special items at really good prices.
Small Business Saturday started as an effort to bring attention to the importance of shopping small and supporting neighborhood businesses. Since its inception, many businesses and organizations have joined in efforts to foster a community event that is easy to participate in for community members and businesses alike.
We experienced a successful Brunch & Bows last weekend, an event that pairs a little social fun with shopping locally. It’s just another enticement to support local merchants who are always so willing to support this community and its endeavors.
That will be followed on Dec. 5 with the first of two Christmas in the City events, where all kinds of holiday merriment will be on tap, including the opportunity, again, to visit downtown stores, and others throughout the area, who plan to have later hours so visitors and locals, alike, can have time to browse and purchase some of those gifts on their Christmas list.
Then, on Dec. 10, the newer Sweet Stroll, will be offered, giving us yet another chance to meander downtown, shopping and enjoying sweet treats. For the $10 price of a ticket, folks can receive a decorative tin from Matthews Gifts and then stroll along the downtown collecting sweet Christmas concoctions along the way, and shopping in the stores, offering, by virtue of our purchases, a thanks to those who always give back to this community.
And don’t forget when you’re shopping local to purchase a subscription to your local newspaper, supporting local journalism in your community and providing yourself and others an gift that keeps on giving all year long.
We encourage local shopping each and every week, but we place special emphasis on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, two days that we can show robust support for those in our community who need to be shown, by that support, how glad we are that they decided to open businesses in our community.
So put away the laptop, forget about Google and Amazon, and enjoy a little fresh air and some local shopping. You — and local merchants — will be glad you did.