It’s the Small Things - Shop Small

The best way you can act “small” and make a big impact is by shopping small. The phrase “shop small” is most often associated with Small Business Saturday, an annual shopping occasion birthed by American Express that takes place between Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the calendar and encourages shoppers to support their local shops instead of big box stores and online retail giants. This national holiday, which was first celebrated in 2010, calls to attention the importance of shopping at the small businesses that serve as the backbone of the American economy and our local communities. The campaign has helped many shoppers to understand how valuable they are to mom and pop stores, local makers and other small business. Basically, it’s a big deal for small businesses. And when our small businesses do well, our communities do too.

This year, Small Business Saturday falls on November 28, and local businesses need our support now more than ever. In fact, 62% of U.S. small businesses reported that they need to see consumer spending return to pre-coronavirus levels by the end of 2020 in order to stay in business, according to the Small Business Recovery Research conducted by American Express.

We hope that you’ll not only shop small on that day, but throughout the entire holiday season. Really, we sincerely hope that it’s a part of your daily life in the Golden Isles, because we have so many wonderful small businesses here. These businesses are the livelihood and life blood of our friends and neighbors. They are champs at coming through for our community by doing things like donating to our fundraisers and sponsoring our kids’ teams, and now we have a concrete way to support them in return. It’s time for us to show our appreciation to the retailers and restaurants who have taken extra steps and gone above and beyond to accommodate safe shopping and dining by implementing curbside service, delivery, personal and virtual shopping experiences.

According to the Small Business Administration, last year, 88 million consumers “Shopped Small” on Saturday. 77% of consumers said Small Business Saturday inspires them to “Shop Small” through the year and not just for the holidays. In addition, 66% of consumers state the main reason they support small businesses is because of their contributions to the community. Everyone can do their part by committing to making at least one purchase daily from a locally-owned small business retailer, whether its lunch or gifts to go under the Christmas tree. Check out any new stores you haven’t visited yet to see what treasures you might find. Share your shopping experiences with friends when you experience excellent customer service or discover great products.

A fun way to introduce new neighbors to the area or to send some love from the Golden Isles is with gifts of specialty or small batch products from local or regional makers. Gift baskets of Georgia grown and made gourmet goodies are usually a big hit. Some favorites to include: Georgia pecans, Southern Soul Barbeque sauces and spice blends, cheese straws or crackers, Wisham Jellies, a bag of Wake-Up coffee, Byrd’s cookies, chocolates from Sugar Marsh Cottage Specialty Confections, Sweet Grass Dairy cheeses, blueberry treats from The Blueberry Barn, jerky and meats from Horton’s and Hunter Cattle, Phickles pickles, etc. And those are just a start! Some of the best places to find a wide selection of these delicious and delightful products include The Market on Sea Island, Golden Isles Olive Oil, Pelican Market, Uncle Don’s, Island Natural Market, and the Jekyll Commissary. There’s also Richland Rum for locally distilled spirits, and Barrier Island Brewing and Silver Bluff Brewing Co. for local craft beer and beverages. The number and variety of local and regionally made products that are available is truly amazing!

When you’re shopping small at local business, also remember that many of our local makers have online stores or the ability to purchase products through their websites. Purchasing gift cards and gift certificates from your favorite shops and restaurants are another way to show your support during the season. And think outside the box, literally; music lessons, paddleboard sessions, yoga classes, dolphin and kayak tours, and spa treatments are all experiences with local businesses that you can gift. Also keep an eye out for holiday art and craft fairs and markets as well as special events and sales by local artists.

No matter how much you spend or where, by shopping small, your actions, like a small stone thrown in the water, create ripples that have a big impact on our community.