You’ve heard catchphrases like “Shop Small” and “Shop Local.”
But you may not have heard of “Shop Sooner.”
Of course, the definition of shopping early is relative. Procrastinators habitually go out on the very last day before a holiday. On the flip side, planners might be bargain-hunting all year long. Most of us? We fall somewhere in between.
This holiday season, Shop Small and Shop Sooner go hand in hand.
We’re borrowing, with permission, an idea from our neighbors at the Iowa SBDC to encourage supporting local businesses in all the ways possible — in person, online, curbside pickup, BOPIS (buy online pickup in store) and social commerce.
We already know more than half of Americans believe in shopping small to keep money in their local communities.
In 2021, things have become complicated by supply chain disruptions and other issues affecting small businesses — on top of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“For a second holiday season, small businesses have been working hard to recover and adjust,” said Bon Wikenheiser, state director for the Wisconsin SBDC Network. “Encouraging people to shop early AND local is win-win for consumers and businesses.”
This year, Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 27.
In 2020, U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $19.8 billion, up from $19.6 billion in 2019, according to American Express.
So Buy Now, Gift Later and avoid the stress of slow shipping, low inventory and no idea what to get Dad (or whoever it may be!) this year.
Our clients have been planning for months already, and they will be thankful for your support.
