Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 27th is Small Business Saturday. Amidst Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and general holiday fever, it's important to remember to shop at locally owned stores. (Yes, I realize this is sponsored by American Express, but regardless, they bring up a good point.

I am a big fan of shopping locally, especially when it comes to restaurants. I try to eat at local Seattle restaurants as much as I can, instead of big chain restaurants like Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory, etc.

According to the Small Business Saturday website :

• For every $100 spent at local small businesses, $68 returns to the community.
• Small businesses employ half of all private sector employees.
• For every year over the last decade, 60%-80% of new jobs were generated by small businesses. 

Obviously, our current precarious economic problem is complex and not easily solved, but shopping at local small businesses has a direct impact on job growth and puts dollars back into your local community. 

As you shop for the holidays, try out a few new stores in your neighborhood where you've never shopped before.