Community urged to ‘shop small’ on Saturday at local merchants
Photo by Kim Pritt: This photo shows downtown Albion with a promotional display about “Shopping Small” and supporting local small businesses.
Orleans County residents are urged to support small businesses this holiday season by buying some of their Christmas gifts from the local merchants – and not by purchasing so much at the Big Box stores and on-line.
Tomorrow is National Small Business Saturday. Businesses and Albion and medina have special deals to help draw in customers. Medina also has its annual Olde Tyme Christmas celebration capped by the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m.
Business associations, elected officials, even President Barack Obama, are all urging people to spend money with the locally owned businesses.
“In bustling cities and small towns across our country, small businesses—from cozy coffee shops to local hardware stores—drive growth and power our economy,” Obama said in a statement promoting small businesses. “These vital enterprises remind us that comfort and prosperity never lie too far from our doorstep and inspire our people to dream big, take entrepreneurial risks, and make of their lives what they will. On Small Business Saturday, we pay tribute to the ways local businesses give life to our hometowns and communities, and we recommit to building an economy where they have the resources they need to thrive.”
Small Business Saturday is a celebration of the diversity of business owners, who employ millions of workers, Obama said.
“On November 26, and throughout the year, I encourage Americans to shop small and help others make real the dreams that inspire their businesses,” the President said.
Locally, State Assemlyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, urged people to support local businesses and help strengthen the Western New York economy.
“With the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and large focus on big box chain stores, I want to remind my constituents and all New Yorkers about the importance small-business Saturday plays for our local economy,” Hawley said. “Small businesses employ nearly 52 percent of New York’s workforce and many times these companies are family-owned and passed down through the generations. By shopping at local small businesses you are protecting jobs in our community, keeping profits in New York State and spurring economic growth which benefits everyone. Please consider shopping local for small-business Saturday because a local investment is an investment in us all.”
