topic Re: Small Business Saturday in Community Chat

Small Business Saturday

Reever — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 14:47:07 GMT

Today is Small Business Saturday. Is anyone refusing to shop at the Big Box Stores or QVC?? I am hestitamt to shop small businesses because the prices are usually steeper at these stores. I usually shop at Big Lots, Kohls or QVC. Very rare to shop a small business in my household. Does anyone here shop local ??

Re: Small Business Saturday

proudlyfromNJ — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 14:52:08 GMT

The town I live in is very supportive of our small businesses.

Re: Small Business Saturday

Quse — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 14:53:56 GMT

I'm finding I shop more and more at local businesses, even if it's their online sites. I didn't set out to do so so mindfully, I just find I am starting to.

I have always purchased from a local jeweler, because I like him and he does a lot of custom work with cool, celtic designs. I also buy from a local store that sells sporting goods because I like the family and try to support them staying around.

I still spend quite a bit at big boxes, but am enjoying Etsy more lately too. Just depends on what I'm looking for.

I refuse to support the actual "Small Business" campaign because it was started by American Express. And they are NOT small business friendly.

Re: Small Business Saturday

Snowpuppy — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 15:33:19 GMT

I'm so over Big Box anything! I refuse to walk thru 100,000 sq ft of space, past little girl's dresses and junque kitsch just to get a gallon of milk. Toothpaste is on the other end of the store, of course.

I go to my local butcher and a small bulk store that has great locally grown produce and organic milk.

I've noticed that some stores locate their "buy online, pick up in store counter" at the back of the store in the desperate hope that you'll buy a few more things than planned.

Re: Small Business Saturday

chrystaltree — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 15:41:56 GMT

We have a nice town square shopping area, it's all small businesses and I roam around and shop almost every Saturday. Sometimes I buy something, sometimes I don't. But I will not and never will over spend on an item. My own pocket book comes before someone elses's. It's a lovely day but I won't go up to the square to shop today because the "amateurs" will be out and since it's a lovely day, parents will be out with hordes of little kids and baby carriages. Also the "Looky Lou's" who are just looking with no intentions of buying anything will be clogging up the little stores.

Re: Small Business Saturday

Meowingkitty — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 15:53:58 GMT

If I like an item and the price is right I’ll buy it wherever. Phoenix is the land of big box and chain stores except for downtown Glendale and Scottsdale. Same with restaurants. We have some I’m sure but they can’t compete with the big guys.

Re: Small Business Saturday

ID2 — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 16:21:18 GMT

Small business Saturday is huge here! It really is a great time for the local businesses to shine!

Re: Small Business Saturday

gidgetgh — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 18:38:43 GMT

Here’s where I have shopped today:

Bath and Body Works

Talbots

The Container Store

locally owned Hallmark store, not a corporate store

local bbq restaurant.

Re: Small Business Saturday

momoftwo2007 — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 18:49:31 GMT

We have a local small business bookshop and toy store. I don't visit them often (like you said, the prices are not as good as big box store), but I will stop by once a year and purchase something to support them.

Re: Small Business Saturday

magicmoodz — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 18:53:29 GMT

As someone who gets anxious in a mall or any big box store, I will opt for small businesses whenever possible.

I didn't venture out for Black Friday shopping yesterday. Instead my husband and I are leaving soon to visit a few local small shops, stop for a drink and appetizers and then return home to decorate for the holidays. A perfect day!

Re: Small Business Saturday

jackthebear — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 20:03:54 GMT

is Amex giving a credit this year?

the first year and 2nd year they did, then nothing.....

sadly there is nothing I need at our local stores,

yarn store/bike store

however I still like to support the local merchants throughout the year

Re: Small Business Saturday

deepwaterdotter — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 20:31:11 GMT

We spent around $100 at local small businesses today.

Re: Small Business Saturday

esmerelda — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 22:41:07 GMT

I spent enough at a small business yesterday, I couldn't afford to go out today.

Considered going to the local indie bookstore; but the book I want hasn't been released yet. Decided to wait for the release and signing event by the local author. Should happen in December.

Re: Small Business Saturday

tansy — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 23:29:59 GMT

I shopped at an endangered chain store today — the local Barnes & Noble — where I got a great deal on jigsaw puzzles for my husband.

On Friday though I frequented a butcher store and a NY style bakery.

Re: Small Business Saturday

willdob3 — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 00:14:24 GMT

@Reever

I shop where I can get a good deal on things I want/need. I don’t have the budget to attempt to buy everything locally made/sold by small businesses. I’d end up on the street. Sometimes I buy from a local business, sometimes I don’t.

Re: Small Business Saturday

sunshine45 — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 00:39:48 GMT

i did shop yesterday at a local small business. i bought some gifts for christmas. they were having a better deal on black friday than on small business saturday. looking forward to cyber monday also.

i also went to a charity event on black friday and purchased some items from local small craft vendors.

Re: Small Business Saturday

suzyQ3 — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 00:40:56 GMT

I purchased something on Etsy yesterday and bought back-ups of a skin product from a small business online -- does that count? :-)

Re: Small Business Saturday

Ms tyrion2 — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 01:20:13 GMT

I bought at a locally owned boutique and hardware store.

Then I had to go to target.

I felt guilty with that last one

Re: Small Business Saturday

Blahblahvampemer — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 02:32:03 GMT

I don't really shop local as indie stores aren't thick on the ground, but we do have a new one opening near my house shortly. Hope it's a gem. I typically go to Tenn. or N.C. to shop small, and I'm trying to see if we can fit in another day trip shortly. I need to deliver some of my pieces to a gallery anyway...or that will be my excuse.

Re: Small Business Saturday

Oznell — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 05:37:57 GMT

We like the concept of "small business Saturday" and do shop small local businesses often. There are some outstanding small businesses around which love to, and specialize in, individualized, attentive, friendly service. There's a paper and craft store, a truly wonderful family run dry cleaner's, a cheese shop, and so many others.

But I like contributing to the robustness of the general economy by shopping the big stores too, ha. I have to check my impulses to shop, period!