Shop Local In Pelham On Small Business Saturday

PELHAM, NY — Big name national retailers take the spotlight on Black Friday as their deep price cuts pull in shoppers in droves. What about those mom-and-pop businesses all over the Hudson Valley that are the backbone of America's economy? Just when do they get their day?

That's basically the question that was asked back in 2010 when the concept of Small Business Saturday was born.

Small Business Saturday is "a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities," the U.S. Small Business Administration explains on its website.

To find retailers taking part in the promotion, CLICK HERE.

Here are 10 great reasons to shop local, from Rob Greenstein, former head of the Millwood Chamber of Commerce who is now the New Castle Town Supervisor:

1. Vibrant business districts help maintain high residential property values. Research shows that a healthy and vibrant business districts boosts the economic health and quality of life in a community. So, by shopping locally you're actually benefiting yourself.
2. Vibrant business districts help defray the residential share of the property tax. Much of their taxes goes directly to help fund our great schools.
3. Small businesses contribute more to local causes and community groups. They support school and charitable causes year-round.
4. Small businesses are more invested in the community’s future as many are owned by our neighbors.
5. Small businesses offers personalized customer service and a local touch.
6. Our small businesses sell unique products and quickly meet the needs of their local customers.
7. Shopping Local keeps money in town. The 3/50 Project asks consumers what 3 businesses they would miss if they closed and to commit to spending a total of $50 a month in one or more of those three establishments. For every $50 spent in locally owned stores, $34 returns to the community through payroll, other expenditures and taxes. If you spend $50 in a national chain, only $22 stays here. If you spend it online, $0 stays here.
8. Shopping Local helps to sustain vibrant and walkable town centers.9)
9. Shopping Local is an easy way for you to join local environmental efforts - save money, save gas, save the environment!
10. When small businesses succeed, we all do!

Image via Shutterstock

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