InTucker Magazine

Shop Local

Even before the Halloween candy is on clearance, scads of marketing and advertising campaigns have hit the media, and retailers have put out the decorations for the next big sales rush. Yes, it’s that time again: The holiday shopping season is upon us.

According to the National Retail Federation, November and December can make up as much as 40 percent of a small business’s annual revenue. Yet, many small businesses are still struggling to bring operations and earnings back to pre-pandemic levels as they reopen.

In 2010, American Express (AE) launched the Shop Small® marketing initiative to bring attention to and to encourage people to shop small and locally- owned/operated businesses year-round and particularly during the holidays.

“We want shoppers to support the small businesses we know and love that are the backbone of this community. It’s important for businesses in Tucker and all around the country,” said Tucker Mayor Frank Auman.

Small business in Tucker offers so much more than retail in the conventional sense. It’s home to a variety of products and services such as nail and hair salons, spas, antiques, furniture, vintage clothing, custom engraving, dining, and so much more.

During the November 13 City Council meeting, the mayor issued a formal proclamation recognizing November 25, 2023 as Small Business Saturday® — another component of the AE marketing initiative – and he encouraged support for Tucker’s businesses this holiday season and beyond. “It’s time when the residents can make a concerted effort to come out and intentionally support Tucker’s small business community,” said Auman.

Sure, it’s easy and convenient to click your way through Amazon.com or big box e-commerce site, but there’s no denying you’re not going to get an environmental experience as you would going to a mom-and-pop store or small retail store. If you still prefer online shopping, many local merchants offer e-commerce shopping as well. Check it out before heading to you know where dot com.

And, according to the United States Small Business Administration, when shoppers spend $100 at a small business approximately $48 of that stays within the community, spend the same $100 at a big box store or a national retailer and only $14 stays local. Small businesses also bring new jobs and generally hire local talent.

Admittedly, shopping local and small may require more thought for most of us. But the reward may be finding some hidden gems right in our own backyard and gift-giving ideas that you may not have even considered.

Supporting local small businesses for most of us requires an intentional act; one that small businesses in our Tucker community need to stay afloat.

So, plan ahead and shop intentionally at locally owned small businesses. “And supporting local doesn’t need to end after the holiday season. Let’s keep doing so all year long,” said Auman.