Small Business Saturday® is the Perfect Time to Support Local Small Businesses
It’s no secret that the holidays have become one of the most popular times of the year for shopping. Consumers spent a massive $707.5 billion on retail purchases during the 2018 holiday season, up 2.9 percent from 2017, as reported by the National Retail Federation. The Postal Service is joining with American Express’s Shop Small® Movement and Small Business Saturday®, taking place on November 30, 2019, to help draw attention to small businesses during this important time. The Postal Service supports these efforts because we recognize the importance of local smaller businesses, especially during the holidays.
When you support local businesses you are keeping more money in your community.
Did you know that for every $100 you spend at a locally owned business; $68 will stay within the community? When you spend that same $100 at a national chain, only $43 stays local. And the sales taxes paid are reinvested where they belong – in your community. Spending with local merchants helps employ your neighbors, many of whom are our friends and family. Dollars spent locally help them continue to make a living for themselves and their families. What’s better than that?
Investing in entrepreneurs is what the American economy was founded on.
Shopping locally nurtures local entrepreneurs and start-up companies, which helps keep your community vibrant and strong. The Postal Service has delivery and mailing products to aid new business owners working out of their garage and the up-and-comers who just signed a new lease because they outgrew their home office. At a time when Main Street businesses struggle to survive and companies shutter their retail presence, Post Offices continue to be a strong, central part of the community. Nurturing local businesses with products and services they need most creates a stronger local community for everyone. The Postal Service doesn’t shy away from Main Street – it is where we thrive. Our services are readily available to fuel the spirit of entrepreneurship, in every ZIP Code in America.
Support local businesses
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking at a Postal Service sponsored small business symposium. As I listened to the owners of these small fledgling businesses talk about their personal journeys to success and what it took to make it, I was so proud to work at the Postal Service and see how our “mission to serve” made a difference for these local small business owners. It’s a great feeling to know that we are a part of their success.
Small Business Saturday presents an outstanding opportunity for each of us to show our support for our local small business owners. On Saturday, November 30, be a part of the movement. Take the time to visit your local merchants and show your support. Remember, when small businesses succeed, we all do.
Mary Anderson, Director of Small Business Engagement, U.S. Postal Service