In a few days in the United States a majority of it's people will be sitting down to eat insane amounts of turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie and even begin the celebration of Hanukkah. Yet, I keep hearing about another big box store that is opening to push their Black Friday specials back into Thanksgiving Day.
Every person that is consumed with the need for "stuff" and to score that really not so great deal but appears to be the greatest deal and walks into those stores on a holiday is keeping thousands of workers away from their families and holiday celebration. The reason Thanksgiving even came about in the U.S. was for one day all of us to reflect and give thanks for all of the food and things that we have had through the year. One day people, one stinking day to not go to a store and shop. It's borderline appalling to me that we can't even go 24 measly hours without stepping foot in a store. There is online shopping for goodness sake if you need to shop that much.
This holiday season I challenge you to the 3/50 project. First think of 3 independently owned stores or restaurants that you would miss if they were gone. Now, stop into these stores, say Hello and pick a little something. Seriously anything $5, $10 any dollars helps keep said store a float. Just browsing or following on facebook, while great does not mean that business you like is going to stay around. Now the 50 part if each person in the U.S. spent $50 a month at independently owned stores their purchases would generate $42,629,700,00 in revenue. Now for example, every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. In a national chain, only $43 stays in the community and the rest more then likely goes to some person you will never meet in a nice corner office with a view. Small businesses are the backbone of our country and one that needs your support not only this holiday season but every season.
I sincerely hope that this holiday you will consider a challenge of two things, one celebrating with your loved ones, cherishing that time, and wait until the next day to do your deal hunting. And two this holiday season, consider taking the Small Business Pledge with me and support small, family-owned businesses, artists and crafters for at least part of your gift giving. We are the REAL Christmas (or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa) elves and want to give you the very best during the holidays and every day. Not to mention, we typically strive to pay our workers fairly, take time for our families, and create personalized experiences you can't get at a big box store no matter how hard they try. I thank you all so much for your support so far, and really look forward to helping make your holiday gift-giving special this year. I will now step down from my soap box.
Over-N-Out
Well said!
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