If you haven’t noticed, there are pipeline delays this year. Major retailers are feeling the squeeze as shelves are less than fully stocked due to detained shipments and shortages in production. That’s why this year is the perfect year to seek out community businesses and artisans who aren’t relying on containers to arrive from overseas. This year, why not consider supporting local entrepreneur and family owned shops on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and all season, for that matter?
Your neighborhood likely has them peppered amongst the big retailers and chain stores. I’m talking about the cute little restaurants, artisan shops who hand make their wares, mom-and-pop-run gift or specialty stores, or even your independent professionals offering health and body and other care services.
Every industry with a big name brand has a rival, a local small business owner who is passionate about what they do and trying to make ends meet. And guess what? Many of them have a LOT of inventory just waiting for you to find the right item for your Christmas gift giving plans.
I know that as a society, we have become a generation of ease and convenience, clicking big box apps on our phone and ordering items for delivery – just like that. I know, I know. It’s easy. It’s convenient. Right, like I said…
BUT, the Zon doesn’t need us to line their pockets with our money. In fact, it’s the small businesses who are still struggling to stay open, find customers, and provide for their households.
That’s why, instead of going the ‘easy route’ and surfing the big retailers for quick satisfaction and to check items off my list, I’m actively deciding to make the effort to find and give my money to my local community small businesses again this year.
So, here’s my challenge. Rather than sending your money to a corporation who’s intent is less than altruistic, who can you find in your local community to support on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and all season long this year?
Can I encourage you to find a face, family, community member to support with your holiday gift dollars? I know they will be grateful for you, and you may even just find a unique gift for your loved ones that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
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