As thousands of Alabamians rush to the malls to stand in line for hours to score minimal deals at big box retailers, local shops are urging the public to spend their holiday shopping dollars stimulating their hometown economy and supporting small business. Small Business Saturday 2015 arrives the day after Black Friday and several Birmingham shops will be holding specials to entice shoppers to spend their money where it counts.
“Since American Express started promoting local businesses as a holiday shopping destination the day after Black Friday in 2010, Small Business Saturday has emerged as a day for smaller shops and boutiques to capitalize on those things that set them apart,” according to Alabama Newscenter.
“No matter the day of the week or time of the year, when you shop local, you are returning the most to a local economy,” Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown told Alabama Newscenter. “Including small, local retailers in your holiday shopping plans supports local salaries, other local businesses and local charities and causes.”
That means when someone chooses to visit Chat Hellmers at Charm or Glimmer, her new pop-up shop on Second Avenue North, or Véro Vanblaere at Naked Art Gallery, and spends money with these unique local retailers, the profits help employ Birminghamians, fund Alabama-based manufacturers and go back to making Birmingham a thriving community for entrepreneurs and artists.
“Studies show that for every $100 spent with a locally owned business, $68 stays right here in our economy,” explained shopbirmingham.com. “$43 stays if you spend it with a chain, and nearly $0 stays if you spend it with a business headquartered outside our area.”
For more information on Small Business Saturday, visit shopbirmingham.com.