The BDN Editorial Board operates independently from the newsroom, and does not set policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com.
Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and the holiday shopping season in general are always a critical time for retailers, including local merchants. That remains true this year as businesses are expected to benefit from a healthy and growing economy. Supporting local businesses is a good way to ensure your spending supports local jobs as well as community organizations.
“Supporting local businesses during the holiday season is more critical than ever,” Curtis Picard, president and CEO of the Retail Association of Maine, told the Bangor Daily News editorial board this week. “Shopping locally keeps dollars within our community, creates jobs, and strengthens Maine’s economy.”
“This year, local retailers and small businesses are working hard to provide personalized service and unique offerings amidst challenges like inflation and shifting consumer habits,” Picard added. “By choosing to shop at neighborhood stores, we sustain the heart of our towns and cities. Maine’s retailers are cautiously optimistic, with hopes that community support will lead to a bright and successful holiday season.”
Despite the shorter than usual time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, holiday spending is predicted to set a new record nationally this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Total holiday spending is expected to grow by about 3 percent over last year to nearly $1 trillion.
“The economy remains fundamentally healthy and continues to maintain its momentum heading into the final months of the year,” the federation’s president and CEO, Matthew Shay, said in a recent press release. “The winter holidays are an important tradition to American families, and their capacity to spend will continue to be supported by a strong job market and wage growth.”
Shopping local — buying from stores and makers in your community — has become a catchy phrase. But buying items that are on local store shelves or made just for you isn’t just good for the Maine economy, but can help community organizations as well.
“In addition to creating good-paying jobs and strengthening the local economy, small businesses shape our communities by volunteering their time and financially supporting charitable organizations,” David Clough, Maine state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, said in a recent press release.
A recent federation report highlighted the significant volunteer, financial and in-kind contributions small businesses make to their communities. For example, three-quarters of small-business owners said they and their employees volunteer their time to community organizations, with schools and education being the top beneficiaries of those efforts.
“As we kick off the holiday season, I encourage all Mainers to shop small, especially on Small Business Saturday, and thank a small business owner for how they enrich your community,” Clough said.
The message to prioritize local vendors in your holiday shopping cannot be stressed enough again this holiday season. While online and retail giants like Amazon and Walmart did OK during the pandemic, many of America’s small businesses suffered — with thousands nationwide closing their doors for good.
There is yet another reason for Maine shoppers to target their holiday spending toward local businesses when they can: Nearly half the money spent at local shops, restaurants and other businesses is recirculated locally, according to the American Independent Business Alliance. That’s compared with just 14 cents of every dollar spent at a big-box chain.
Many consumers may be more comfortable shopping online than in crowded stores. There are local options for that, too. People should explore options from Maine-based online retailers. Sites like Maine Open Online and Black Owned Maine can help connect shoppers to Maine businesses from the comfort of their own home.
Also remember this remains a tough economic time for many Americans and many Mainers. Buying gifts at such a time may not be in the cards for some people, and there is no shame in that. If you’re able to, try to reward your local businesses this holiday season by shopping small and shopping locally.
