This post about Small Business Saturday is slightly redundant, what with all the big business pre-Black Friday Sales…
Yet, it needs to be said.
For those who don’t know, Small Business Saturday is an event in November which takes place between the Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales to encourage people to shop locally.
This year (2024), it’s November 30, which is why I’m posting this early – so you can think about it for Saturday.
Your local shops have been doing it tough.
Following covid lockdowns, they’ve dealt with distribution issues getting stock in, and distribution issues getting it out.
They’ve had to lay off staff, who’ve had to find jobs elesewhere, so they’ve had to find other workers, or may be going short.
Not to mention interest rate rises, power price increases, and the cost of living crises (yes, more than one).
Because most small business financing is secured by loans against the property the bbusiness owners live in.
So if the business folds, they’ll lose not just the business, but their homes too.
Chances are, you’re shopping at larger businesses, the ones that usually gets most of the benefit of Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales.
And chances are, you also need the kind of discounts you’ll get at that kind of business.
Because you’ve been doing it tough too.
I know I’ve seen a lot of local businesses close down – one before it even opened the doors!
And we won’t get started on my favourite Korean restauarant again… It’s prbably been too long.
Maybe you’ve seen it too.
So this Small Business Saturday, please try to share the love around.
How to “do” Small Business Saturday
It’s all about choice, and here’s some suggestions for shopping locally, buy your:
- Bread at the local bakery (we still have two)
- Meat at the local butcher (if you still have one – mine closed down during covid)
- Vegetables from the grocer (we have two)
- A latte from the local cafe, (we have at least five)
- Magazine from a newsagent (ours closed down earlier this year)
- Book from a bookshop (closed down a decade ago)
- Flowers from the florist (still going strong)
- A spot of lunch at a local restaurant (at least five)
- A drink at the pub (one remaining)
- The painkillers you’ll need for your recovery at the pharmacy (one)
- Get your hair done at the hairdresser or barber (five)
- Visit a nail bar (one beauty salon left)
- Get your eyebrows done (the salon)
- Have a facial or massage (the salon)
Thinking back to the Monk’s Morning Routine, consider it an act of generosity.
And remember, if you don’t patronise your local shops, they won’t be there when you need them.
As a side note, the Bushells Blue Label Tea you can see advertised in the window is still available!