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Nov. 27 is Small Business Saturday this year. Since 2010, Small Business Saturday has been celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage the nation’s shoppers to support local, small businesses with their holiday purchases. According to a study conducted by American Express, approximately two-thirds ($0.67) of every dollar spent in a locally owned business remains in the local economy. By comparison, only about 40 cents of every dollar spent in a national chain store remains in the local area.

That difference in spending can be dramatic for local impact. Locally owned businesses donate more than twice as much to local organizations as national companies do and tend to pay higher wages to their employees. Their distinctive offerings make our community special and unique, not only for local consumers but also for visitors. With higher gasoline prices and shipping surcharges, why drive elsewhere for your needs when you can buy things right here?

Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. (FSEDI) is the Neighborhood Champion of Small Business Saturday. This is the eighth consecutive year that FSEDI has been the Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion, with approximately 7,500 Champions across the United States. Neighborhood Champions are dedicated to promoting the support of Small Business Saturday through advertisements and events. This year, FSEDI created an interactive crossword puzzle and gave away $200 in local gift cards to the first five people that correctly completed the puzzle. Additionally, FSEDI covered the cost of each participating business to have an ad in The Tidewater News as well as organized promotions on Real Country 101.7 and Facebook. 

To say 2021 is definitely the year to do more of your shopping on Small Business Saturday with locally owned businesses would be an understatement. The American Express Shop Small Impact Study stated that 78 percent of business owners surveyed said holiday sales will impact their ability to stay in business in 2022. Buying local this Christmas season gets your presents in hand faster without added shipping charges or staring at empty shelves at big-box retailers. FSEDI thanks for you for keeping it local on Nov. 27 Small Business Saturday, but also, all year long!

KARL HECK is the president and CEO of Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc.