Supporting local businesses is important year-round, but in the lead-up to Shop Small Saturday, with the holidays nipping at our heels, nationwide campaigns are launched to help promote the message.
Shopping small isn't just about doing a favor for your local business owners - data shows that local businesses are a major economic driver, especially for your community.
Small businesses put three times the amount of sales back into the communities they live and work in compared to larger franchises. When compared to an online business, that number increases to 50%. (Michigan State University)
Uptown Insider Subscribers may be familiar with the data shared at the bottom of each newsletter we send out, which reads:
For every $100 you spend, up to $68 stays local when you shop with local businesses, versus only $48 when you spend at big box stores.
We didn't just make that up - that information comes from Fundera, a division of Nerd Wallet. An even more incredible statistic is this: over $9.3 billion would be directly returned to our economy if every US family spent just $10 a month at a local business.
Next time you're thinking of popping by the big-box store, consider if what you're looking for can be purchased from a small, locally-owned business instead.
Supporting Small Business FAQ
Q: Why is supporting small businesses important?
Supporting small businesses is crucial because it stimulates local economies, creates jobs, fosters entrepreneurship, promotes product/service diversity, and contributes to the overall vibrancy and uniqueness of communities.
Q: How can I support small businesses?
You can support small businesses by shopping locally, spreading the word about them through reviews and recommendations, attending local events, engaging with them online, and exploring collaboration opportunities.
Q: How does supporting small businesses benefit the community?
Supporting small businesses benefits the community by creating employment opportunities, generating tax revenue for local services, encouraging local investment, and enhancing the distinct character and liveliness of the community.
Q: Are there advantages to buying from small businesses compared to larger corporations?
Buying from small businesses offers advantages such as personalized customer service, unique and handcrafted products, flexibility in meeting customer needs, a stronger sense of community, and the opportunity to support local artisans, entrepreneurs, and families.
Q: How can I discover local small businesses in my area?
You can discover local small businesses by exploring online directories, following local business associations or chambers of commerce on social media (the Cleveland County Chamber is a phenomenal resource for county-wide businesses), asking for recommendations, and visiting farmers’ markets (like the Foothills Farmers Market here in Uptown) or community events where small businesses showcase their offerings.
Local Specials & Promotions
Antique Market of Shelby: Vender raffles, booth sales, holiday treat bags, and live music from 10 am - 6 pm.
Cleveland County Arts Council: Handmade for the Holidays ​Gift Gallery from November 16 through December 23. Handmade for the Holidays offers a chance to keep your holiday shopping unique and LOCAL! Artwork includes handcrafted jewelry, ornaments, jams, salsas, ceramic mugs, plates and bowls, cutting boards, coasters, felted baskets, hats, scarves, journals, paintings, mosaics, lamps, wall pockets, holiday cards, potholders & pens.
Greenbrook Design: Cookies with Santa + a photo opportunity for your children or the whole family. Enjoy a unique setting in the kitchen with Santa and all the cookie ingredients for the cutest Christmas photos. A chair in front of the tree will also be provided for photo opportunities. Photos can be taken from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov 25th.
Halcyon Salon: Holiday deals kick off on Shop Small Saturday! All Organethic Pure Care products will be buy two, get one half off. EVO gift sets boutique items are in stock. Free items with purchase, EVO & OPC gift sets, jewelry, hats, purses, bags, stocking stuffers, and your favorite Halcyon merchandise, just to name a few! Gift cards will be on sale as well, starting November 15th. With every $100 gift card purchased, receive a $20 gift card for free to save for yourself or share with someone else.
Imperial Comics & Games: Buy 2, get 1 free comics
Mavis Tire & Brakes: $75 off the purchase of 4 tires with installation and $20 off any oil change. Offers are Only valid at the Shelby Location. Drop your car off for these great deals or any service while walking and shopping at Uptown Shelby! Friday 11/24 And Saturday 11/25.
My Favorite Consignment Store: 20% off entire store on Shop Small Saturday!
Newgrass Brewing Co.: New Brunch Beer Mixers premiering Saturday 11/25: Pumpkin Shandy, Late Harvest Sangria, Bloody Beer, Mimosa, Beer-mosa, Grzane Piwo, and our Newgrass Cold Brew. Also enjoy 20% off all merch and glassware, 10% off single bottles, 20% off cases, and $1 off tap pours on Saturday 11/25.
Peace Avenue: On Small Business Saturday, $5 sale bins, $20 Bigfoot tees, and 20% off everything else. Spend $75 and get a free canvas tote bag.
Queen Bee Home Decor: 50% off selected wall prints on Black Friday! On Small Business Saturday, enjoy a surprise savings event: with any purchase, you will get a scratch-off card to see if you saved anywhere from 10% to 30% on your entire purchase!
Rollover Pets: Foster Friday with Clifford’s Army Rescue Extravaganza from 5 to 8 pm starting Friday, November 24th, and will continue December 1, 8th, and 15th!
Toscano’s: Opening at 11! Christmas mimosas and other festive drinks will be available, plus holiday desserts (such as Grinch cheesecake!) and lots of lunch specials to enjoy!
Uptown Med Spa: Deals on Black Friday & Shop Small Saturday! Buy a $100 gift card for $75; purchase 25 units of Botox, get 10 units FREE; discounts on Hydrafacials and other spa packages; ALL medical grade skincare products 20% off!
Yippee Ki Yay: 25% off select Ariat and Black Star Boots, select Myra bags on sale, and a huge assortment of Montana Silver Smith on sale up to 60% off.
Stay tuned for more promotions to be added!