Linda Bowyer

Prices are going up and everyone is looking for “good deals” at Christmas. Are we sure what we order online will be here by Christmas? Maybe it is time to look at local stores for that perfect present!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner followed by “Black Friday,” (the big box stores’ sales on the day after Thanksgiving) and “Cyber Monday,” (online stores’ sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving). This year, local business owners in downtown Sylvania are also promoting Black Friday sales during regular business hours.

But, don’t forget, Saturday, Nov. 26, is “Small Business Saturday,” a great day to shop local. Since 2010, American Express has promoted the Saturday after Thanksgiving as a day to encourage shoppers to spend at locally owned, independent, brick-and-mortar stores. In 2021, according to American Express, shoppers spent a record high of $23.3 billion on Small Business Saturday. The Small Business Administration (SBA) encourages shoppers to “shop small” as local businesses need support now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus epidemic. The small retailers and restaurants that are still open need our support.

“Buy Local” movements have picked up steam throughout the United States but the growth of big box stores and internet shopping has affected locally owned firms. Small businesses are still an important part of the economy. According to the Small Business Administration, there are over 30 million small businesses in the United States, with almost 1,000,000 in Ohio alone. Those Ohio small businesses employ over 3 million workers but, as the economy opens up, they are struggling to hire enough staff to meet demand. This is a great opportunity for people looking to pick up some extra money working over the holidays. According to the SCORE (the Service Corps of Retired Executives), of every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $68 stays in the local community with local businesses also purchasing local services, like accounting and marketing, and local supplies. In the SCORE study, 42 percent of Americans shop at local businesses three times a week, citing convenience, desire to support local businesses, and superior customer service for their loyalty to neighborhood businesses. Huffington Post recently calculated that if every family just spent $10 a month at a local business, over $9.3 billion would be funneled directly back into the economy.

The recent problems with supply chain and deliveries by large online retailers are making customers think more about buying from local small businesses as opposed to ordering holiday gifts online and dealing with the uncertainty of whether the gift will arrive on time. This is a big advantage for small businesses and neighborhood organizations.

Luckily for those in the Sylvania area, there is a myriad of small businesses from which to choose. Local shoppers can purchase almost everything they may need or want within city and township boundaries. Shoppers can purchase items from furniture to window treatments for their homes or offices. They can find fashions to suit a variety of tastes and budgets for men and women. Shoppers can also purchase shoes, baked goods, toys, books, sports items and equipment, flowers, coins, jewelry, musical instruments, computer equipment and accessories, sewing supplies, hardware, specialty foods, and much, much more in Sylvania and Sylvania Township. Restaurant gift cards make great presents for people who are ordering “to go.” Many personal service firms, such as hair and nail salons, personal trainers, and massage therapists, have been really hurt by the pandemic. A gift card from those local businesses can be a great gift for the “hard to buy for” friend or relative.

The advantages of shopping local are many. First and foremost, friendly, helpful service is the watchword in small, local shops where the store owner is more than likely the clerk. For those who are repeat customers, the shop owner and other staff know them by name. They also know what they like and will help them find what they are looking for, saving them time and effort. Many times, store owners and their staff will alert customers when a special item arrives in the store or they will be willing to put something aside so they don’t miss out on an item they want. In addition, shoppers do not have to wait in long lines in small, locally owned stores and parking is close by, making shops easily accessible.

Don’t forget to tell family and friends to shop at locally owned businesses and restaurants on Saturday, Nov. 26!

Dr. Linda Bowyer is Professor Emerita of Finance and past director of the Small Business Institute, University of Toledo.