It’s the holiday season, and all over America, you’ll hear one phrase repeated over and over. No, not “Merry Christmas” or “Peace on Earth.” It’s those three little words that keep our economy moving: “Let’s go shopping!”
This year, I’d like you to change that phrase to “Let’s go shopping at a small business!”
Patronizing small businesses is a matter of self-interest, especially if you’re in business yourself or work for a small company. After all, I’d bet many of your own clients or customers are also small companies.
You’re also likely to find great products or services, unique gifts, and get terrific customer service at a time when you’ll get pushed around at the mall. Moreover, you’ll be sustaining jobs in your own community since most small businesses are local.
Sure, the big box retailers are the ones with those tempting, colorful, multipage inserts in the newspaper. I’m not saying that you should stay away from them entirely; I know I’ll be shopping at some giant stores myself this season.
But how about saving some of your holiday purchases for small companies? Small businesses may not always offer the rock-bottom price, but you can find some wonderful values, especially on products or services where small businesses excel.
Here are some ideas on types of gifts for you to purchase from small companies:
Specialty food products and fresh foods. Chocolate, jams, sauces, fresh fruit baskets — yum! Gifts of food are certain to please, and some of the best tasting and most unique products come from small companies.
To find specialty food products, do an online search for the category of food you want, and check out local grocery and culinary stores. One online source is operated by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade at www.specialtyfoodmarket.com. Don’t forget the farmers’ markets if they’re still operating near you this time of year.
Toys. Remember when toys were made in America? Some still are. With the recent spate of recalls because of lead-based paint in some imported toys, this is a great year to check out toys from small American inventors and manufacturers.
I’m not bashing imported goods — many small companies are importers. But you’ll find some of the most inventive choices by looking for products from small American companies.
One online source — also a small business — is Fat Brain Toys, www.fatbraintoys.com. Click on “American Made” in their pull-down menu.
Electronics and installation services. Retailers are predicting this to be a major year for the purchase of high definition television sets. Most people are probably going to buy one from a giant retailer, but you don’t have to. Even if you do, that doesn’t mean you have to use the megastore’s “Nerd Herd” employees to install your new TV.
Instead, look for a local, experienced electronics specialist. They may actually save you money by helping you choose the products that are right for your home. They can certainly help you get all those wires and cables connected correctly. Look for ads in your local newspaper. Check local design magazines and search online.
Arts and crafts. This is one area where small businesses — even one-person businesses — still dominate in America. And there’s nothing as special as giving a one-of-a-kind gift that may become a family heirloom or keepsake.
Find these at one of the many holiday crafts fairs held in most cities this time of year. Check your local newspaper for listings of crafts fairs.
Rhonda Abrams is the author of “Six-Week Start-Up” and “What Business Should I Start?”
