STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 14
Shop small, shop local
by JENNIFER JALBERT
Thanksgiving weekend officially kicks off the holiday shopping season, and what better way to show your loved ones how much you care than by picking out the perfect gift from a small business. It’ s also an excuse to buy something for yourself! Small Business Saturday is Nov. 29 this year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and has been officially cosponsored by the Small Business Association since 2011. Small Business Saturday was created to encourage people to keep their spending money local by shopping at independent, locally owned businesses instead of large corporations. And if you don’ t feel like shopping, you can always leave a great Yelp / Google review or recommendation on a small business’ s website.
With supply costs and business expenses on the rise, tariffs, and neverending fees, small businesses need our support now more than ever as they are the heartbeat of any community. They sponsor local events, partner with nonprofit organizations, and are loyal to their customers. Amazon, Wal- Mart, and the Kardashians do not need your hard-earned dollars. Your local economy does.
According to the Small Business Index, 8 in 10 small businesses say the holiday season is important for their overall profit. Constant Contact reports that the majority of small businesses rely on holiday shopping for at least one quarter of their annual rev- enue. Each dollar spent at a local small business helps your community and sends a clear message that shopping small this holiday season is an investment in your town and your neighbors.
Stillwater has several new small businesses that are worth checking out. If you’ re needing a sweet treat for a holiday gathering or work party, Stillwater Sweets Bakery( 110 W. 8th Ave) and Sugar Llamas( 132 N. Main) have the cure for your cravings. Duncan Catering Company( 5601 W. 6th Ave) offers holiday meal packages and baked goods for every budget and any event. Asian restaurant The Dragon( 102 E. Hall of Fame) is great for a holiday date night or entertaining visitors from out of town.
Take a drive down Main Street and you’ ll find apparel and accessories at 405 Mercantile and Jo & Co. Boutique. Stilly Floral offers flower arrangements and fun candy bouquets. From books to art to pets, there’ s a small business here for every want and need. So please remember our community members when you’ re being bombarded with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales ads. Make a plan to spend with the local businesses that support our school sports teams and host fundraisers through community partnerships.
America’ s small businesses power our economy. This holiday season, shop at local businesses to support the job creators in your community. For more ways to get involved, or to receive free Small Business Saturday marketing materials, visit sba. gov. SwOk
STORY BY: JENNIFER JALBERT Stillwater Oklahoma Magazine
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 14