Yes, the ads in print, social media and all other outlets are starting to tout the holidays. And that means shopping.
Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons open up the floodgates for sales. Certainly, there are some good deals to be had out there; but, while you are looking online, don’t forget about the advantages of shopping locally.
American Express, in order to counter the online shopping frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, started Small Business Saturday in 2010.
We are now celebrating 14 years of focusing on shopping local. Years ago, online services did not collect sales tax. While that was a break for the shopper, it was a big detriment to the communities, as that sales tax helps support our infrastructure needs and mill levies. Some of that scenario has changed; however, our retail businesses are part of the lifeblood of this community.
The Chamber and the Pagosa retail community have tried a variety of shop small programs throughout the years. We started off with Parade of Stores, typically the first weekend in December, which was a full weekend of focusing on our local retail stores.
When more storefront retail businesses started participating in the Small Business Saturday promotion, we shifted to supporting our local retailers’ efforts in the promotion of shopping small.
We continue to support these efforts as a Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion, yet we need the retailers’ help. If you are participating in Small Business Saturday efforts, the Chamber has marketing materials for you such as bags, posters or window stickers. When these items become available, you can pick them up at the Chamber or we can deliver them to your business. These promotional items are free.
For the local shopping community, there is homework for you too. Start making out your shopping lists including our local retailers. You will give the gift of a local, special item. You will support your neighbors and friends who you live near, socialize with, go to church with or who your children play with. You will build the local tax bank so that we can continue to provide infrastructure services to our community. You will get immediate gratification in getting that gift and not having to wait for delivery or it possibly getting lost in the holiday mail shuffle.
In summary, you support Pagosa and our economy. If you have any questions about Small Business Saturday, please contact the Chamber.
In the meantime, make out your gift lists. The shopping fun will be here soon.
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