Small Business Saturday Archives • Our Town America, Inc.

Sunflour Baking Company Wins Charlotte Small Business Resilience Award

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Sunflour Baking Company Our Town America Charlotte Small Business Resilience Award Winner 2021

Spectrum News | Charlotte, NC – Sunflour Baking Company, a family-run bakery in Charlotte, NC, has been a small business staple in the community for many years so, despite the pandemic bringing on many changes, they did not let it slow them down. With four locations throughout the Charlotte area, the iconic bakery had their hands full when the pandemic hit, but they came together and showed resilience – as Our Town America of Charlotte owner, Eric Kent, says. Kent has worked to help bring new customers into Sunflour Baking Company on an ongoing basis since 2018. When asked to nominate a handful of his partnered local businesses for the 2nd Annual Small Business Resilience Award, Sunflour was top of mind. Local Charlotte residents voted on their favorite Charlotte business to win the 2021 award, championed by Our Town America. Sunflour Baking Company came out on top with the most community votes! Kent, being a local business owner himself, understands the importance of supporting local businesses to help maintain a healthy economy and hopes others will join him in visiting local stores and restaurants. While this annual award is in honor of Small Business Saturday, it’s encouraged to shop local year-round. Without a steady base of customers visiting the Sunflour Baking Company locations, they would not be able to service the community as they have been for so long. Friendly faces, tasty pastries and unmatched customer service are a few reasons Charlotte residents frequent the bakery. Kent met with Spectrum News at Sunflour Baking Company to discuss the importance of shopping local and the significance of the Charlotte Small Business Resilience Award. Click here for information on how to be nominated for the Our Town America Small Business Resilience Award next year. Our Town America supports small businesses across the nation 365 days per year. If you’re a local Charlotte business looking to reach new or current customers, contact Eric Kent at ‭704-999-1330‬‬. If your business is located outside the Charlotte area, please contact our corporate office at 1-800-497-8360 to be connected with your local representative. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

Our Town America Awards $10,000 to New Movers

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Golden Certificate by Our Town America Check Mailbox Small Business Saturday

PRWeb – New movers across America could win a thousand dollars just by opening their mail. In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Small Business Saturday, Our Town America, the nation’s premier New Mover Marketing franchise, will award 10 certificates of $1,000 each in 10 different cities from coast-to-coast. To win one of these $1,000 “Golden Certificate Giveaway” prizes, new residents in these cities simply must tear open their personalized Our Town America new mover welcome package and call up to claim the money. They’ll receive a check they can spend anywhere, though they’re encouraged to support local businesses during the holiday season. “With this ‘Golden Certificate Giveaway,’ we welcome new movers to our communities across America while encouraging them to buy at local businesses,” says Our Town America’s CEO Michael Plummer, Jr. “Our goal is to help small businesses flourish because these mom-and-pop shops are the backbone of our economy. This holiday season, we ask new movers to learn about their local retailers. Drop in, say ‘hello,’ and spend money with the businesses located right in their own neighborhoods. It’s a win-win for all and a celebration of everything ‘local’ this holiday season.” Here’s how the “Golden Certificate Giveaway” works. In the coming weeks, Our Town America will mail out their December 2019New Mover Welcome Packages full of valuable local business offers. These one-time housewarming certificates give new movers deals at local restaurants, dental offices, gyms and other businesses. For ten lucky winners, a golden certificate of $1,000 will be included alongside the other offers. All each winner needs to do toclaim their prize is call the Our Town America phone number printed on the Golden Certificate. Once claimed over the phone, each winner will be awarded a check for the money as part of a local ceremony during the holiday season. Winners have until January 16 to claim their prize. Our Town America launched the “Golden Certificate Giveaway” because even though things are looking up for retailers this holiday shopping season (The National Retail Federation predicts 2019 November and December in–store retail sales to increase between 3.8%-4.2% over sales in 2018), generating in-store traffic throughout the year remains difficult and many retailers simply struggle to “hang on” until the holidays. Plummer hopes the “Golden Certificate Giveaway” will inspire thousands of new movers to support local retailers, even if they don’t win one of the big prizes. “We support Small Business Saturday year-round at Our Town America,” says Plummer. “Each Welcome Package we deliver represents a new opportunity for a new resident to build long-term, loyal relationships with local business owners offering the goods and services they need. We hope the ‘Golden Certificate Giveaway’ inspires more new movers than ever to open their Welcome Package, take advantage of the offers, and build relationships with some of the best small business owners in their backyard.” For more information about Our Town America and the “Golden Certificate Giveaway” please visit https://www.ourtownamerica.com or call 1-800-497-8360. ### About Our Town America For 47 years, Our Town America has been providing new residents with warm housewarming savings, from local neighborhood businesses, in a premium welcome package. Since the company began franchising in 2005, Our Town America has consistently been placed in the Franchise Top 50, ranking top in their category for franchisee satisfaction. Our Town America will only recommend one of each business type, in a specific zip code, in its Welcome Package. This has been one of the key catalysts for their long-term success. Sponsors consistently rave about the uniqueness of the New Mover Marketing Program — specifically their ability to reach a brand-new audience of impressionable new residents each month. Because of Our Town America’s devotion to those concepts, thousands of satisfied business owners attest to the success and effectiveness of the program. Additionally, dozens of locally owned franchisees validate Our Town America’s concept as a viable business opportunity. Our Town America’s mission is to help families and individuals adjust to their new community, while helping businesses gain new and loyal customers. In addition, they strive to provide franchisees with an excellent business opportunity. The eight million households who receive Our Town America’s welcome packages annually prove that Our Town America is committed to following through on their mission. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

Our Town America: Helping Gyms & Fitness Centers Boost their Bottom Line

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Our Town America Helps Fitness Centers and Gyms Get Customers

Club Insider — A revamped economy is fueling a recent surge in wages, new homes and America’s migration habits. The pendulum of homeowners on the move, stagnant throughout most of the decade, is gradually swinging upwards. New Mover Marketing firm Our Town America, the nation’s first and fastest growing new mover marketing franchise, is happily connecting residents to the local businesses that are the lifeblood of their new communities. As people move and adjust to their new city, Our Town America discovered that fitness centers are playing a major role in uniting new residents with friendly faces. The full gamut of fitness centers – ranging from national gym chains to CrossFit centers – are capitalizing on the uptick in moving. Our Town America is the perfect platform and partner for fitness centers looking to get a jump on new residents, and ultimately, new clients. They offer a strategic model that provides New Mover Marketing solutions through direct mail for local businesses eager to welcome new residents to the neighborhood. This includes gyms and fitness centers trying to replace members that have moved away with the people that moved into their homes. Each month, Our Town America helps gyms and fitness centers reach thousands of new movers across the country settling into their new neighborhoods. Those residents are sent warm, personalized offers from gyms and fitness centers in a customized Welcome Package that allows owners and managers to track and monitor their return on investment. But don’t take our word for it. Here are three gym owners who have dealt directly with Our Town America and are enjoying the results: Kristen Iuppenlatz – Pilates Collective in Sebastopol, CA: “Our Town America is the most effective local marketing program I’ve used in my eleven years in business because it generates long-term customers,” says Kristen Iuppenlatz, owner of Pilates Collective in Sebastopol, CA. Iuppenlatz has been offering a free introductory session (up to $85 value) to an average of more than 130 new movers each month since January. In fact, she says Our Town America introduced her to more than a dozen new movers within the first year who signed up for a five-session introductory offer and became loyal customers. Michael Murphy – Anytime Fitness in Saint Petersburg, FL: Saint Petersburg, FL Anytime Fitness franchise owner, Michael Murphy, has been offering one free month of unlimited membership PLUS a free personal training session and thank you gift to new movers since September 2014. He says the key to his success is using the Our Town America program to get movers in the door which allows him to engage the entire family with the same offer. “I reach up to 1,000 new movers per month with Our Town America,” says Murphy. “I extend the same offer to ALL immediate family members when a new mover redeems the gift certificate.” Brian Vest – YMCA in Charlotte, NC: “Our Town America is the most intentional and impactful marketing we’ve ever done at the YMCA,” says Brian Vest, Associate Executive Director at the Morrison Family YMCA in Charlotte. Vest offers one free month of membership. “Hundreds of new movers are finding the YMCA on purpose now, not by accident. Our Town America is a strong partner for fitness centers across the country. Contact Our Town today to “work out” a deal that will help you replace those who’ve moved away with new, loyal members! Contact: sales@ourtownamerica.com or 800-497-8360 ext. 226 Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

Direct Mail Still Works: How To Use Tech To Elevate Traditional Marketing

Written by Michael Plummer, Jr.

Direct Mail Still Works: How To Use Tech To Elevate Traditional Marketing

Forbes — Direct mail may sound old-fashioned and outdated in today’s technological world, but if we only utilized new forms of advertising, there would be no Super Bowl ads — or TV ads, period (television has been airing for the masses since the 1940s). There would be no radio ads (America has been listening to radio programs since the 1920s). We wouldn’t do trade shows (those have been around since the 1800s). Even some modern-day marketing strategies are growing gray hairs, as email has been around since the early 1970s and internet advertising was launched in the 1990s. Direct mail — especially niche-based, targeted direct mail such as the new mover marketing program we offer at Our Town America — has endured because it works. Helping local businesses create valuable, long-term relationships by delivering thoughtful and personalized gift certificates direct to new mover doorsteps is what we do. It’s in our DNA. Sure, it’s old-school, print-based advertising, but it’s effective because it can reach a niche customer base when they’re interested in finding new, go-to solutions for everyday needs (groceries, hair care, restaurants, etc.). That’s the key to effective marketing, both online and offline: the ability to reach customers when they’re actively searching for answers. And in today’s world, technology plays a pivotal role in determining who those customers are and where/how they’re searching for solutions. You must always be open to embracing new technology — even if it’s in conjunction with an old-school form of advertising — that helps you efficiently reach and influence target audiences. So what if you own a direct mail company and know you need to evolve? Or perhaps you’re a business owner considering direct mail marketing and you want to be sure the company you choose “gets it.” Keep these three things in mind: Technology Is Still Essential To Key-In On Target Audiences Direct mail efforts without demographic-based strategies can be a waste of money. These days, you can use technology to pinpoint target audiences. If your core customer group is within two miles of your place of business, don’t send to a 10-mile radius. If your products are best-suited for senior citizens, don’t send offers to millennials. And if you want apartment dwellers, it’s silly to send direct mail to McMansions. Too many businesses throw money to the wind because they aren’t specific about reaching their core audiences at the right time. Technology affords us the ability to only send to specific zip codes, neighborhoods, etc. Create Human Connections With Customers Ready To Act … And Track Redemptions That is, when you send potential customers gift certificates to try out your business, include a tracking mechanism (like a QR or barcode on the certificate that you can scan). This should be done so that if they redeem your offer, you will know it’s being used. This also helps you secure their contact info, so you can follow up with an additional offer, thank them for being a customer and invite them back. All customers want to feel appreciated. But they don’t just want discounts or coupons — they want real, thoughtful offers (such as a free pizza, not just 10% off). That’s the key to inspiring action and increasing redemptions — getting them in the door when they’re ready to act and delivering an unbelievable in-store experience that keeps them coming back for years. This is the human factor of direct mail that technological advancements don’t compromise — the opportunity to send a real, tangible, personalized offer delivered directly to someone’s doorstep. Don’t Let Technological Advancements Scare You Away From Direct Mail Look, it’s easy to think that direct mail doesn’t work because everyone’s using the internet to find out where they’re going and what they’re buying. But that’s actually a reason direct mail could be beneficial. Potential customers can be overwhelmed by all the information they find online and don’t know where to turn. You’ve got that person’s mailbox, sometimes to yourself, and you can use technology as a facilitator to help connect with potential customers in a direct way. So it’s important to remember that technology is your friend. Implement tiny aspects of it to create a personal touch and avoid bombarding potential customers with emails and push notifications. The internet is a technological marvel, but everyone uses it. Seeing an ad on the internet is like looking at the night sky and picking out a favorite star. They all look the same after a while. But that’s where direct mail — if you use it properly — can separate your business from the crowd … especially when you’re using technology to elevate the reach and impact of direct mail programs. And, besides, as the saying goes: Everything old is new again! Michael Plummer, Jr.Michael Plummer, Jr. is Our Town America’s President and CEO. Michael strategically leads Our Town America while maintaining our core principals of connecting new residents to the local businesses in their communities. www.ourtownamerica.com […]

Our Town America of Atlanta Joins Small Business Support Squad

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Small Business Saturday Our Town America on WUSF Radio

WDUN (November 2017) – Like many other Our Town America franchise locations, Our Town of Atlanta joined in on the Small Business Saturday fun by starting the “Small Business Support Squad” in their local area. The “Small Biz Support Squad” was created by Our Town America, a national marketing firm that targets new residents and businesses, to thank small businesses. On behalf of Our Town of Atlanta owner Chris Beer, Marketing Executive Brittany Johnson of the Corporate Headquarters, met with WDUN to discuss what Our Town America does for small businesses. Click play to listen to clip below. Atlanta, GA area businesses looking to team up with Our Town America of Atlanta can contact Chris Beer at 770-655-2116 or complete an online Contact Form. Small businesses in any U.S. market can reach out to Our Town America’s corporate team to get in touch with their local representative. Call by phone at 800-497-8360 or complete a Contact Form. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

Small Business Saturday by Our Town America Phoenix

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Small Business Owners for Small Business Saturday

KNXV Phoenix (November 2017) – Phoenix’s small business owners are the backbone of our local economy. So, for Small Business Saturday, which took place on Nov. 25th, Phoenix’s “Small Biz Support Squad” celebrated some of their partnered local businesses. David Cox traveled through town to surprise local owners with balloons and stress-relieving gifts to thank small businesses them for everything they do for our community – create jobs, provide goods and services and keep our local economy chugging through good times and bad. American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010 to honor local business owners in thousands of communities across the country. In just seven years, the annual event has blossomed into a hyperlocal phenomenon as more than 112 million American shoppers helped local businesses generate more than $15.4 billion on Small Business Saturday in 2016. Phoenix is a perfect place to celebrate Small Business Saturday as brave entrepreneurs work tirelessly to build reliable businesses in their community. Arizona is home to 511,828 small businesses and employs 955,194 workers, according to the S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Forbes recently ranked Phoenix as the 35th best place for business and careers, and reported that the city saw 3.3 percent job growth in 2016. The Phoenix Chamber of Commerce reports that 9 out of 10 companies project revenues to increase in the coming year, while 98 percent of companies rated the business climate as excellent or good. Watch both KNXV Phoenix clips below for full story. To contact David Cox of Our Town America Phoenix, complete a Contact Form or call 602-923-7770. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

Our Town America of the Treasure Valley Supports Small Businesses

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Local Business Our Town America

KTVB Boise – The long hours. The hard work. The aching back and feet! These are the hardships of Boise’s small business owners, the backbone of our local economy. So, for Small Business Saturday (Nov. 25), Boise’s “Small Biz Support Squad” celebrated some of their partnered local businesses. Amy Hecht traveled through town to surprise local owners with balloons and stress-relieving gifts to thank small businesses for everything they do for our community – create jobs, provide goods and services and keep our local economy chugging through good times and bad. American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010 to honor small business owners in thousands of communities across the country. In just seven years, the annual event has blossomed into a hyperlocal phenomenon as more than 112 million American shoppers helped local businesses generate more than $15.4 billion on Small Business Saturday in 2016. Boise is a perfect place to celebrate Small Business Saturday as brave entrepreneurs work tirelessly to build reliable businesses in their community. Forbes has recently named Boise as the 11th fastest-growing city in America. The area’s population grew 1.83 percent in 2016, with a projected growth of 1.69 percent in 2017. In 2015, Boise made the top 10 cities for millennial entrepreneurs by Fast Company, coming in at number 2, and was ranked first on USAToday.com’s list of America’s 50 best cities to live in. Watch both KTVB Boise clips below for full story. To contact Amy and Scot Hecht of Our Town America of the Treasure Valley, complete a Contact Form or call 208-866-9540. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

Our Town America acts as Small Business Support Squad

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Our Town America Support Local Business

WBTV Charlotte (November 2017) – The long hours. The hard work. The aching back and feet! These are the hardships of Charlotte’s small business owners, the backbone of our local economy. So, for Small Business Saturday (Nov. 25), Charlotte’s “Small Biz Support Squad” is celebrating some of their partnered local businesses. In the past, they have traveled through town to surprise local owners with balloons, gifts and stress relieving massages to thank small businesses for everything they do for our community – create jobs, provide goods and services and keep our local economy chugging through good times and bad. American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010 to honor small business owners in thousands of communities across the country. In just seven years, the annual event has blossomed into a hyperlocal phenomenon as more than 112 million American shoppers helped local businesses generate more than $15.4 billion on Small Business Saturday in 2016. Charlotte is a perfect place to celebrate Small Business Saturday as brave entrepreneurs who work tirelessly to build reliable businesses in their community. Forbes has recently ranked Charlotte as a top 10 place for businesses and careers and U.S. News & World Report ranked Charlotte as #14 in its “Best Places to live in the USA” list, and according to WalletHub’s May 2016 research on 150 large cities, Charlotte ranked #2 in average growth of number of small businesses and the #3 best place to start a business. Also, recent Charlotte Chamber of Commerce research shows Charlotte’s population is ranked #16 in total population among US Cities and has grown almost 40% in the last 10 years as a young and diverse population has flocked to the area for jobs, opportunity and quality of life. Watch WBTV Charlotte clip below for full story. To contact Jane and Tom McElhaney of Our Town America Charlotte, complete a Contact Form or call 704-341-4982. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

Small Business Saturday: Area shops beat odds as they battle giants

Written by Brittany N. Johnson

Small Business Saturday Fort Myers Our Town America

The News-Press – Jennifer Williams has owned her Fort Myers boutique for a long time: 35 years, to be exact. Jennifer’s Boutique has done business in the same location on McGregor Boulevard in Cypress Square all that time. About half of all businesses don’t make it past five years and only one-third make it 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlighting how hard it can be to achieve success and stability. That’s one reason American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010. It’s a way to recognize small business owners in communities across the nation, including Southwest Florida. Highlighting Small Business Saturday helped local businesses generate $15.4 billion the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2016. Williams thought back to when she started her boutique at the age of 23. “I was pretty directed and pretty focused,” she said. “I put my head down and kept going. I can’t even wrap my head around it’s been 35 years.” Now a change is in order. Williams is moving the store just north, to the Design Center, by year’s end. The center includes The Melting Pot, First Watch, Spada, Sweet Bean Coffee Café and other retailers. The new store is about the same size as the existing location, but has 20-foot ceilings. “I love the store, but I felt I needed to be in a shopping center that had partners more suited to what I do,” she said. “Everyone likes excitement and change and energy. It’s nice to offer people something different. It’s really close.” Sally Hanson is a new arrival to Fort Myers, recently starting Our Town of Southwest Florida. She also owns the Our Town at the Triangle franchise in Raleigh, N.C. Both are part of Our Town America. “We welcome new people that are moving into the area,” she said, adding that moving is a major stressor. “They don’t know the area. We make their transition easier for them and introduce them to local businesses.” Hanson and her Fort Myers Small Biz Support Squad will be visiting small business owners in Lee County on Small Business Saturday, handing out goodies. “This is just growing and growing and growing because small businesses are the backbone of our community and we just want to thank them for all the hard work that they do,” she said. While most people are enjoying time around the holidays with family and friends, many small business owners are putting in their longest hours of the year. “We’re going around with balloons and gift cards from local businesses to thank them for their service,” she said. “It’s going to be a surprise. I have some businesses in mind, but it’s kind of random. I know how hard these people work. Through good times and bad, they keep chugging along.” Speaking of “chugging along,” Williams thought back to challenges along her journey, including the rise of online shopping. One silver lining: it has helped that her clientele skews a little older. “They still want that experience of touching the merchandise, feeling the merchandise, having someone assist them, getting feedback,” she said. “The store is kind of like ‘Cheers.’ There have been a lot of friendships made. You’re not going to get any kind of camaraderie at 2:30 in the morning on Amazon searching for a pair of jeans.” Jennifer’s Boutique has a big event each November for the anniversary. This time of year, the focus is on holiday wear and small items that make nice gifts. On Small Business Saturday, customers will receive a gift with purchases and get an additional 25 percent off sale merchandise. “We definitely cater to our clients for the holidays,” she said. Naples businesses For Footed Friends, an all-natural pet food store in Naples, has participated in Small Business Saturday for about a decade, using the marketing materials and swag that come along with it, but not offering any special discounts geared just for the day. “We’re hoping that Small Business Saturday is as popular as it has been in the past,” said owner Rose Scarisbrick. “It has been busy in the past.” With predictions of more online shopping this holiday season, she’s not sure how that will affect her business. Though customers can’t buy products on her company’s website, she offers free delivery in Collier County, so customers can arrange orders and get products without making a trip to the store at no extra cost. Retail spaces revamp as digital disrupts At Ooh La La Jewels Du Jour in Naples there are always specials to be had on Small Business Saturday. This year deals will include 20 percent off sterling silver jewelry and savings of 20 to 50 percent throughout the store on a variety of merchandise. Offers will include buy three-get one free on ginger snaps. There will be sales on readers (three for $15) and sunglasses (three for $12). Black Friday sales, however, will be even better, and will include a $100 gift bag with a $75 purchase, said Tammy Kipp, one of the store’s owners. She hopes to see customers come in both days to take advantage of the different offers. “It’s nice that people think about the mom and pops instead of the big boxes all the time. We are locally grown here,” Kipp said. “We’ve been here for 46 years and it’s nice that the locals support the locals. Read article on The News-Press — Fort Myers-area businesses looking to team up with Our Town of Southwest Florida can contact Sally Hanson at 919-349-7611 or sign up online now using our New Movers on Demand platform. Small businesses in any U.S. market can reach out to Our Town America’s corporate team to get in touch with their local representative. Call by phone at 800-497-8360. Brittany N. JohnsonBrittany is the head of Our Town America’s corporate marketing department. She specializes in digital and print media, social media, and public relations. […]

Shop Small Business – 7 Reasons To Shop Small

Written by John Guerra

7 Reasons to Shop Small by Our Town America

Shop Small to find unique things, while supporting your local economy In the 1920s and 1930s, cities and towns from the Appalachians to the Pacific Northwest had a busy shopping district, with independently owned businesses like shoes stores, clothing stores, jewelers, barbershops and other establishments serving the locals. A couple decades later, in the 1950s, the interstate highway system routed traffic away from downtown America, which led to the construction of shopping malls near exit ramps. This drained the commerce from downtowns. In the last 15 years, the explosion of e-commerce hurt shopping malls and big box stores the way highways harmed small-town shopping districts. Small Business Saturday, launched in November of 2010, has become a great way to support small business owners in your local town or neighborhood. The “Shop Small” program supports local economies and promotes vibrant, diverse communities, but there are other practical reasons to shop locally every day, not just on Small Business Saturday: 1) Small businesses give back to the community When you spend money in your neighborhood, your sales tax stays in your neighborhood. You help fund public education, parks, and street improvements, not to mention vital services like firefighting and mosquito control. 2) Local store owners create local jobs The Small Business Administration reports that local businesses added 8 million jobs to the American economy since 1990 while the expansion of large chains reduced jobs by 4 million. 3) Local owners buy local services themselves Independent local businesses go into their local community to buy the supporting services they need, including architects, designers, cabinet shops, sign makers and contractors for construction and accountants and lawyers to keep themselves operating within the guardrails. 4) Local establishments provide great customer service Business owners rely on great customer service to build a loyal customer base, so it is comforting to know you will be shopping in a store that is genuinely happy to assist you. 5) Small businesses create a sense of community Human beings seek a feeling of belonging and familiarity in the towns in which they live. It is only natural to seek connections with those we share our neighborhoods with. It’s always a comforting feeling to see that poster of the local Little League team in the coffee shop window. 6) It feels good to help neighbors and friends succeed There’s something special about knowing the owner of the store when you walk in. You can ask about family, congratulate them on their anniversary, and feel the comfort of familiarity. 7) It’s about preserving the community The American Independent Business Alliance has another great reason to shop locally: “The disappearance of local businesses leaves a social and economic void that is palpable and real — even when it goes unmeasured,” AIBA says. “A community’s quality of life changes in ways that macroeconomics is slow to measure, or ignores completely.” We hope you’ll shop locally year-round, as well as on Small Business Saturday, and when you’re visiting those businesses, make sure to thank the owner for keeping his or her doors open. After all, small businesses are what built America, one neighborhood at a time. John GuerraJohn is a guest blogger for Our Town America and previously worked in national sales at our Clearwater, FL corporate headquarters. www.ourtownamerica.com […]