Tucked between mammoth national sales events Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business SaturdayⓇ — a day to celebrate and support our small businesses and all they do for our community. Let’s come together this holiday season for our independent merchants on Saturday, November 26th, to thank them for working hard to keep our local economy flourishing.
Small Business SaturdayⓇ was originally founded by American Express in 2010 to encourage buyers to support small businesses after the economic slump we experienced from 2007–2009. In 2011, the U.S. Senate joined the cause by passing a resolution supporting Small Business SaturdayⓇ. The Small Business Association (SBA) officially co-sponsored this annual initiative, which has since grown to include all 50 states.
We know that now more than ever, our local businesses need our support as they continue to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic.
For small business owners, their business is more than just a business — it’s an extension of who they are. When you flip through the pages of our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine, you see all our hometown Sponsors who are not only a large part of our daily lives but big supporters of our community causes and our school fundraisers. These business owners are always the first to thank the community for their patronage, so take the time to use your holiday dollars this season to ensure their doors stay open for years to come.
Before you buy big, think small. Remember those businesses who are always there to sponsor and support our local sports teams and charity events. How many times have you seen local restaurants donate food? Or hair salons, gift shops and dance studios donate baskets of goods and services? Over at Blush Salon, Co-Owners Michele Quinn and Brittany Naab appreciate when residents choose to purchase gift cards, products and services because they consistently see Blush supporting the community. “Growing up in Newtown Square and now also owning a business here is really special,” they said.
Small businesses are the backbone of our community. When you shop local, you support the entrepreneurial spirit, driving our economic prosperity and keeping our friends and neighbors employed. Shopping local means that businesses can grow and hire more employees. In fact, the Small Business Association (SBA) says that across the United States, small businesses account for over 64% of new jobs created each year.
Local businesses like Rey Azteca certainly know how vital community support is to sustain and grow a business. They opened their Newtown Square location just two months before the pandemic shut everything down. Co-Owner Jenny Palacios said, “We appreciate all the incredible support from the community during that difficult time.” Rey Azteca is not only surviving but thriving. Consider booking your next gathering there or purchasing a gift card on Small Business SaturdayⓇ.
Remember our friends at Weinrich’s Bakery and Luigi & Giovanni’s when planning your holiday menus this season. And if you’re looking to add some holiday cheer to your home, take a ride over to Mostardi’s Nursery for beautiful seasonal decor, flowers and plants.
Our very own Newtown Square Business Association (NSBA) is encouraging you to shop local as well. Last year they completed a project to have decorative banners designed and installed along West Chester Pike and St. Albans Circle that encourage you to “Shop the Square.” Graphic Designer and NSBA Member Pam Purser was asked to create the design. “We knew we wanted the banners to be modern and dynamic,” she said. “The squares refer to the square in our town’s name, of course, but they also represent the small businesses that make Newtown Square unique.”
Sure, the deals and steals that flood our mailboxes and social media feeds can be awfully tempting, but nothing beats the feeling of walking into your local gift shop where you’re greeted by name. That level of customer service is what makes shopping local so special. “We care about our customers,” explained Anne Marie Hare from Bunny Hare’s gift shop. “Because we live here and work here, we can help you pick out unique gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.” Loyal customers certainly agree, not to mention their complimentary gift wrapping is one less thing you need to do this holiday season!
’Tis the season to spread holiday cheer and offer good tidings to all, including our local small businesses. Make a difference and commit this year by choosing to shop local instead of the big retailers. Put your local bakery, restaurant, coffee shop, gift boutique and neighborhood stores at the top of your gift-giving list. Let’s ensure that our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors business owners and Sponsors receive the best gift of all: your loyalty.