FROM THE DESK OF: Support “Small Business Saturday” All Year Long.
NOTE: While “Small Business Saturday” was this past weekend and today is “Cyber Monday,” there are lessons we need to take with us for our other shopping days during the year.
BY: Taft Matney
Today is “Black Friday,” a day when the members of the brotherhood of man, after giving thanks for the blessings they received in the previous year, shoot each other at 1:00 a.m. in the Wal-Mart parking lot as they begin the Christmas shopping season.
A little pepper spray to gain an advantage over other shoppers is all part of the fun, too. Isn’t it?
In addition to the Clemson/Carolina game, tomorrow is “Small Business Saturday.”
Ironically promoted by American Express, it’s a day when we encourage shoppers to keep their money local, to patronize small business instead of the “big boxes.”
Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with the big box retailer. I’ll make my way to more than one of them over the next month where I’ll stand around frustrated because none of the sales staff 1) acknowledge my existence, let alone help me or 2) have a working understanding or even cursory knowledge of the products in the areas of the store where they’re supposed to be working.
Personally, though, I prefer working with small business. It’s the backbone of our economy. It’s the segment that provides most of our jobs. Without it, and by making the business environment hostile to it, we close the door on entrepreneurialism.
Sure. It’s cheaper for me to go to a large retailer and get a pair of pants, but if I go to my local family-owned clothing store, I’m greeted when I walk in and have someone who knows the product and can point me in the right direction understanding my needs.
I could go to the Buy More when my fridge goes out, and when I finally get someone’s attention in the store, he or she will be happy to have someone deliver my replacement unit within 3-5 business days between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., or I could call a local appliance store, explain my situation, and have someone put together some options for me. I can make my selection and often have it delivered the same day. Customer service? I know. That’s just crazy talk.
We shouldn’t dedicate one day a year to promoting small business. We should embrace it whenever we can and do it enthusiastically. You may spend a few dollars more, but the return you get is more than worth it.
From retail to restaurants, towns across South Carolina are filled with locally-owned small businesses that want to see you. Support “Small Business Saturday” tomorrow, and let that be your springboard to supporting small business all year long.
