RICHARDS LAW FIRM RIDGLE SEPTIC CAIN CENTER
VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER / FRENTRESS ENGINEERING
ANDING REALTY / ATHENS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE / BACON AUTO RANCH
KATHY ’ S BOUTIQUE / IVAN SMITH FURNITURE
EAST TEXAS ARBORETUM / CHANDLER CLEANERS
UTHEALTH ATHENS
SUE BRANNAN REALTOR / ACE BANNER
EAST TEXAS ADVISORS QUINTANA REAL ESTATE
SILVERLINE ROOFING / NELSON PROPANE
EYE CARE ASSOCIATES / SONIC DRIVE-IN
ATHENS SHELL FOOD MART / REPUBLIC SERVICES
COLE ’ S AIR CONDITIONING JLS ENTERPRISES
BRISTOL HOSPICE / ATHENS BANK
OAK WOOD PLACE SENIOR LIVING
5 reasons to shop small versus big box
The importance of small businesses to the economy cannot be overstated . Though national chains often garner publicity , local businesses are equally , if not exceedingly , worthy of attention . What defines a small business as “ small ” varies significantly , but these businesses are generally privately owned and generate far less revenue than big corporations . General consensus also defines small businesses as companies with fewer than 500 paid employees , according to the U . S . Small Business Administration . Here ’ s a deep look at why small businesses are so vital , and why consumers should direct more of their purchasing power to smaller companies rather than the big box retailers and other national chains .
1 . Autonomy and diversity The layout and offerings at national chains will be identical whether you live in the mountains or at the beach . Big box stores follow a consistent marketing strategy and look the same regardless of where they are located . That familiarity can come at the cost of variety . On the other hand , an independent business offers the products and services that are reflective of the customers and the community they serve .
2 . Local hiring strategy Certain big box retailers will hire local residents , but hiring policies may push for promoting from within the organization . This could mean relocating an employee rather than bringing in someone from the community who may be more in tune with local sensibilities . Small businesses may be more inclined to hire residents they know and keep hiring centralized to the local area — something that keeps more resources and money in the community .
3 . Adaptability and change Local businesses can move more quickly to respond to economic factors that require change . Since they are focused more on the needs of their customers rather than stockholders , changes can be implemented rapidly without having to go through red tape , meetings and updates to corporate policies . Changes also can be customized to the local community at large .
4 . Investing in the town According to the financial resource Financial Slot , shopping at locally owned businesses rather than big box retailers keeps more money in the community . Local property taxes and other taxes paid by the businesses go right back into the community . This helps raise overall value for homeowners and can even reduce their taxes . The funding helps keep police , fire and school departments functioning properly .
5 . Turnover is greater While no one wants to see a small business fail , that fate is sometimes unavoidable . However , that turnover helps teach communities what was done poorly and helps others learn from those mistakes . It also means fresh businesses will come in and replace the old , driving new growth , opportunity and competition that keeps prices competitive . The benefits of a thriving small business sector are numerous . Consumers can do their part by patronizing these firms more frequently .
Published monthly by The Athens Daily Review P . O . Box 32 • Athens , Texas 75751 903-675-5626 Digital edition at : www . athensreview . com
Greater Athens Magazine | December 2022 | 7