Sat 11/26
Now more than ever, the communities need small businesses for a major economic impact for the neighborhoods each business supports. We know about Black Friday, Cyber Monday, but do you know about Small Business Saturday?
Started in 2010, the first-ever Small Business Saturday took place on November 27. Created and sponsored by American Express, the movement encouraged people across the country to support small, local businesses. As years moved on, the day became official and was even recognized by the U.S. Senate as they unanimously passed a resolution of support for Small Business Saturday and the hashtag #shopsmall became synonymous with the movement.
Why #shopsmall, you ask?
Often overlooked by big companies’ advertising campaigns, when you shop Small, you are giving back to your community. In turn, supporting your own town, city and neighborhood that puts tax dollars BACK into the community it serves. A trip to the big box stores, eh, Not so much. Remember, your support of a Small Business places those tax dollars to use in public schools, parks, roads, and sidewalks, as well as fund public service workers like firefighters.
In addition, you’re creating more jobs in your community. According to the SBA, since 1990, big businesses eliminated 4 million jobs, while small businesses added 8 million jobs. The more you shop at a local store, the more potential job opportunities you could help them provide. And after all, why should we not celebrate the spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship, as exemplified by small business owners who take the risk of following their dreams?
Feels good, right?
More often than not, small businesses offer more personalized service. Small business owners strive to survive, and one of the biggest advantages they have over large retailers is the ability to provide a more personal, hands-on and memorable customer service experience. The chances of you speaking with a human and your solution resolved is higher when dealing with a small business. Small business owners tend to remember their customers a little better — they just do.
Another great thing about shopping small business is the higher probability of having bad experiences addressed. Small business owners rely on repeat customers and referrals; when you voice a bad deal to a small business, you are closer to speaking to the one who can make things better, if not the owner themselves.
Want unique items? Small business is the place to look. Many small business owners hand pick all the merchandise in their shop. Some also have a closer eye on the market to bring more unique merchandise for their customers. Additionally, if a small business doesn’t have the products you want or need, ask them — they’re also usually much more receptive and willing to order them for you.
Small businesses also create a sense of community. Isn’t it better to show love to a small business owner in your neighborhood who you see actually in your neighborhood? We say it’s more gratifying to get your dog groomed from a fellow PTA member or have your coffee roasted by your kids soccer coach.
(Hey, there’s that feel good thing again.)
If you haven’t already begun to shop small, a great way to start is to be vocal on social media. Post photos, purchases, locations and updates of your small business travels. This helps spread the word and get others shopping also. The hashtag #shopsmall doesn’t hurt either.
If you need to know where to get started on your small business Saturday journey, here are a few places to begin.
First, you can shop local using our free CoolNEIGHBORHOODS listings include those listed below, and 33 other neighborhoods around the Cleveland area, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Lake & Ashtabula counties, Lorain County and more.
Our ShopLOCAL section includes local shops, and our SUSTENANCE section is for restaurants, food & drink. It’s all free online, or, if you like apps, you can download our free mobile apps for Android & iPhone.
This is a short list, but The Cle has more, ready for you to check out:
Coventry Village: One of the most established and most evolving areas for small businesses in the area is Coventry Village (or known as simply, “Coventry”). Located in Cleveland Heights on Coventry Road between Mayfield Road and Euclid Heights Boulevard, Wikipedia describes Coventry as “being associated with one of Northeast Ohio’s artistic, musical, bohemian and emerging hipster communities.” Coventry is home to tons of independently owned small businesses with a few national anchors in between.
To read more about Coventry Village, visit coventryvillage.
Tremont: Offering a unique shopping experience in the city, Tremont is a considered a walkable neighborhood full galleries, cafes, boutiques, book stores and record shops. From trendy to classic, the independently owned shops in Tremont is a great place to spend the day and support small business. Did I mention the ice cream?
To see a listing of all the shops and more visit tremontwest.
The N. Collinwood/Waterloo Arts District: There’s no place like home! Near and dear to this fashionistas heart is the city’s ONLY 100% independently owned and operated district, sitting directly north of the lake. The Waterloo Arts District (Waterloo Road between E 152nd St to E 161st St) is home to many great art galleries, workshops, record shops, eats, neighborhood bars — and even a cozy little fashion design studio (ahem!) Make it a date to check out the newest and latest the district has to offer for Small Business Saturday and beyond!
To learn more about the district and its shops, check out WaterlooArtsDistrict/.
The great thing is these places are Ready and waiting to welcome all year long. Make it a point to check put these areas and more. These small businesses need you.
Happy Small Business Saturday Shopping,
Dru
Dru Thompson is a designer, writer and educator who owns and operates Dru Christine Fabrics and Design in the Waterloo Arts District. Most days, you will find Thompson bustling in her fashion design studio and boutique, located at 15615 Waterloo Road in Cleveland. To learn more about Dru, go to druchristine.com or facebook.com/Dru-Christine-Fabrics-Design. Instagram and Twitter: @druchristine.