Let’s face it, we all love the convenience of online shopping. There may be only a few things
better for a busy momma than a bit of shopping in her PJ’s. If that’s you, it’s ok, you are far from
alone. Americans spent $513 billion online in 2018, a 14.2% hop over the previous year. Online
shopping is a part of our lives and the benefits for busy families are hard to argue. That said,
there are also significant benefits to shopping local and supporting small business this holiday
season and year round.
The Saturday immediately following Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday. Small Business
Saturday was an idea created by American Express in 2010. Am Ex launched the campaign to
encourage their card holders to get out and support local business during the holiday season.
Since its creation Small Business Saturday has become less campaign and more movement.
Offering a rallying day for small businesses all across the country and raising awareness of the
importance of spending your money diversely. Many local businesses now offer deals and events
surrounding the day and the growth of the concept is steady with 70 percent of American adults
saying they were aware of Small Business Saturday in 2018.
So why is it important? Studies show that there are many benefits to shopping
independently–owned businesses. The most important and obvious is keeping your options open,
and I mean literally open. If you want a community that is dynamic and original your local small
businesses need your support. They are the personality of your community, from the quirky local
coffee shop to the boutique where you found your absolute favorite sweater. Your small business
community is what makes your town unique. Just try and picture your landscape void of small
business, it would be a boring and unoriginal place. Small businesses bring creativity and
newness to their clients in ways that large chains or online retailers never will. We support small
manufactures and artisans, we offer diverse and interesting products and events. We cultivate a
sense of community and give back in so many ways.
Here’s where it gets interesting, when you spend $100 online as little as $0 comes back into your
local community. Spend that same $100 at small business and as much as $68 of your hard
earned dollars flow back into your local economy. That’s as much as a 68% return to your local
police, schools, fire fighters and other businesses. Additionally, local dollars help to build strong
neighborhoods by sustaining communities, linking neighbors and contributing to more local
causes. Some studies have found that small businesses donate as much as 4X more of their
profits when compared to large corporations. Locally owned businesses also create more local
jobs and provide better wages and work environments when compared to national chains.
At Wee Chic we love seeing our neighbors and friends stop by to pick-up kids gifts, accessories
or clothing that they can’t find elsewhere. We love getting to know those families and watching
them grow. Celebrating new babies and other family milestones alongside the clients that come
out to support us. We try hard to stock our shelves with products that are unique and ever-
changing. And we walk the walk, supporting and promoting other locally owned businesses
whenever we can. To be transparent, I don’t expect that you will read this article and lay down
your mouse, evermore committing to a life of parking garages and 495 traffic to meet your
shopping needs. I ask only that you set aside a portion of your holiday and everyday shopping
budget to keep your small business community healthy and growing. We promise to make it
worth your while. I hope you’ll visit Wee Chic this Small Business Saturday in Mosaic District
for 20% off all clothing as well as your other favorite independently owned stores and
restaurants. Happy Holidays from our families to yours.
Bridget Quinn Stickline is the owner of Wee Chic Boutique. Wee Chic provides modern and sustainable products for babies, kids & tweens. Visit the shop and find out more at www.weechic.com
