5 small businesses on the power of shopping local

Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to support local businesses, emphasizing their unique contributions and importance in sustaining vibrant communities across the country. In preparation for this year’s festivities, NRF asked five small businesses how they are celebrating and supporting their customers and communities.

A passion for customers 

John and Mary Mormon began their small business journey in 2005 with Celtic Tides, a Celtic heritage gift shop in Lexington, Va. For the Mormon’s, owning a small business is a passion that they are fully committed to. “We are completely invested in our business – it’s not a hobby,” John says. They love their customers and being involved in the fabric of their community. “We don’t have customers,” Mary says. “We have friends who shop with us.

Similarly, the Smoke Stack Hobby Shop in Lancaster, Ohio, has been creating meaningful experiences for their customers for over 46 years. “We love knowing our customers by name and making a positive impact in their lives,” says founders Don and Patti Riordan. “The holiday season brings out the best in our customers.”

Family traditions

Stephenson’s of Elkhart, a bridal and women’s boutique, is proud to be a family-run small retailer serving Elkhart, Ind., since 1931. Businesses like Stephenson’s of Elkhart often have deep roots in the community, passing down traditions, values and expertise from one generation to the next. “We are in our third generation of the Reynolds family at the helm of Stephenson’s,” says CEO Danny Reynolds, who has been running the business since 1994. “The entire staff is a part of our family here.”

A drive to succeed

We also asked small business owners what drives them. For Marguerite Adzick, founder and CEO of Addison Bay, it’s her family. “I started Addison Bay when I was pregnant with my first child and my kids have always given me the motivation to push through the lows. As a working mother, I am leading by example and hope that my kids will recognize the drive that it took to start, operate and grow a small business.”

Ann Cantrell, founder of Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store in Brooklyn, N.Y., says she is driven to succeed by her customers and community. “I love sharing our unique Blue Ribbon finds with customers,” she says. “The Blue Ribbon means the best life has to offer all in one spot.”

Shopping small is a powerful way to make a positive impact this holiday season. Not only do customers find unique and exceptional gifts, but they also support the dreams and livelihoods of passionate entrepreneurs. Whether you shop online or in store, NRF encourages all consumers to support their local small businesses on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25.