Best State To Raise a Family
(WalletHub, 1st in 2020; 2nd in 2021)
19 Nov 2018
November 24 is Small Business Saturday, a shopping holiday that urges consumers to patronize small and independent businesses rather than online retailers or big box stores.
American Express was behind the first Small Business Saturday, which started in 2010. The initial goal was to counter the negative effects of the recession on small businesses and local economies.
The holiday quickly caught on. In 2011, the Senate passed a resolution in support of Small Business Saturday. Consumers have now spent an estimated $85 billion at independent retailers and restaurants over the eight Small Business Saturdays since its inception.
Research has shown that independent businesses return triple the amount of money to local economies as their chain store competitors. Besides the direct impact of taxes and small business spending on things like wages and supplies, there’s the indirect impact of employee spending in the community as well. This multiplying effect is considerable.
Everyone knows that it’s appealing to buy from big online retailers; they bring consumers great convenience. But such mega companies do even less than chain stores for local economies — since the only locally employed person involved in the transaction would be a delivery driver.
Consider the impact on local economies if more Americans made the effort to consciously buy from local businesses — not just during Small Business Saturday, but year round.
The Fairmont Economic Development Authority’s mission is to support the successful growth and pride of Fairmont area businesses and citizens. We recognize that small businesses play a critical role in our economy and community. We encourage you to participate in Small Business Saturday and make conscious decisions about your spending all year round.
Need some tips on where to shop locally? Peruse this small business directory to find independently-owned businesses near you.
Best State To Raise a Family
(WalletHub, 1st in 2020; 2nd in 2021)
in Voter Participation
(U.S. Elections Project, 2020)
Best State for Women and for Working Moms and Dads
(Wallethub, 2020)
in Volunteering
(Corporation for National and Community Service)
in Child Well-Being
(Kids Count Report, 2021)
in Healthy People
(2021 Camelot Index)