It’s Small Business Saturday this weekend and State director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Dawn McVea said this year it’s more important than ever to shop locally. Last year $19.8 billion was spent at small retailers and they hope to exceed that this year.
“Sixty-seven cents of every dollar spent in a small business stays in your local economy, and that should be reason enough for everybody to shop small,” said McVea.
Small Business Saturday is an initiative that began in 2010 by American Express to encourage shoppers to support independent retailers the day after Black Friday.
Supply chain issues are not only impacting large retailers but small ones as well. McVea said about half of their members report they are feeling the effects of shipping delays.
“That’s a big chunk of folks that’s been telling us they are significantly impacted, there’s another 34% saying there’s a moderate impact. That’s pretty much leading up to everybody,” said McVea.
McVea said everyone is experiencing disruptions whether it be slow to get to the shelves or not getting what they need in a timely fashion.
With COVID cases decreasing, along with government restrictions and mandates being lifted, McVea said small retailers were hopeful things would return to pre-pandemic levels.
“But between the supply side and staffing shortages they are still really struggling out there,” said McVea.
If you prefer to shop online McVea encourages you to seek out small retailers as many added online shopping to their business during the pandemic.
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