As a small-town bank manager, I see firsthand how local businesses are the lifeblood of our community. They create jobs, sponsor school events, and keep our downtown vibrant. This Black Friday, as you plan your holiday shopping, I encourage you to consider supporting our local stores instead of focusing solely on large national chains or online giants. Here’s why it matters so much.

Strengthening the Local Economy

When you spend money at a local business, more of that money stays in the community. Studies show that for every dollar spent at a locally owned store, a significant portion is reinvested locally—whether through wages for employees, local suppliers, or community projects. By choosing local, you’re helping your neighbors and friends thrive, which, in turn, strengthens the entire community.

Personalized Service and Unique Offerings

Local businesses often offer something you won’t find in big-box stores: personalized service. Owners and employees genuinely care about their customers and take the time to ensure a great shopping experience. Additionally, many local businesses provide unique, handmade, or one-of-a-kind products, giving your gifts a personal and meaningful touch.

Building Community Connections

Shopping locally fosters connections. When you walk into a neighborhood store, you’re greeted by people who know your name and care about your needs. These relationships create a sense of belonging and trust, something that online shopping simply can’t replicate. Local businesses often host events, sponsor community activities, and serve as gathering places that help knit the fabric of small towns together.

Environmental Benefits

Supporting local businesses can also be a more sustainable choice. Local stores often source products closer to home, reducing the carbon footprint of transportation. Plus, when you shop downtown or in a local district, you cut down on the need for excessive packaging and long-distance shipping.

Keeping Our Town Unique

Every small town has its charm, and much of that charm comes from the businesses that line our streets. Local stores add character, offering something that reflects the history and personality of the town. By supporting them, we preserve what makes our community special.

This Black Friday, Think Local

It’s easy to get swept up in the flash sales and marketing blitz of big-name retailers. But remember, every dollar spent at a local business is a vote for the community you call home. Many local shops also offer Black Friday deals, so you don’t have to sacrifice savings to support them.

Before you click “add to cart” on a major online retailer’s website, consider taking a stroll through our town’s shops. You’ll likely find gifts that are more thoughtful, a shopping experience that’s more fulfilling, and the knowledge that your spending is making a positive impact close to home.

This Black Friday, let’s make a collective effort to invest in the people and businesses that make our small town a place we’re proud to live in. Together, we can keep our community strong and vibrant for years to come.

Supporting local isn’t just a choice—it’s a commitment to our community’s future. Let’s shop small and make a big difference.

Want a list of local shops? Consider visiting your city’s chamber of commerce website and searching their retail directory. Then share the love, posting your favorite finds on social media. Be sure to share on Stay Positive News' Facebook page here.

Stop and visit Kate and her White House Simmons Bank branch team at 117 Raymond Hirsch Parkway or email her here.