There’s a statewide push to shop locally this holiday season. The U.S. Small Business Administration kicked off its small business campaign Saturday, visiting several local businesses in Madison.
“These are the heart and soul of our main streets,” said Catherine Marx, SBA Connecticut Regional Director. “We’re so thankful they’ve made it through this pandemic, but in order for them to be here for the next decade, we have to go out and support them.”
Small businesses across the country take part in Small Business Saturday, historically held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. According to the SBA, there are more than 360,000 small businesses in Connecticut, creating more than 740,000 jobs.
“It really creates energy in every small town in Connecticut,” says Christine Rinere, co-owner of The Dressing Room Boutique in Madison.
Small business Saturday weekend is often one of the busiest weekends in locker rooms.
“People just come here to shop and we appreciate that,” said Lyndsay Rinere, Christine’s daughter and co-owner of the business. “You don’t have a thriving downtown that everyone can enjoy without small shop shopping, especially in a small town like Madison, so you have to shop small to support those businesses.”
The SBA emphasizes that when you shop locally, more of your money stays here.
American Express conducted a small business economic impact study in 2018 that showed that, on average, two-thirds of every dollar spent by a small business stays in the local community.
“It’s actually helping you maintain the value of your property. You’re helping to support local jobs and local families who own all these businesses,” Rinere said.
To find Connecticut businesses participating in Small Business Saturday, click here.