At the end of November, Small Business Saturday helped to mark the start of the holiday season during which millions of consumers are planning to buy from small local stores and businesses. Many of these purchases will be for gifts and Maryland’s 668,000 small businesses will be vying for trade with local people on whom they so heavily rely to thrive. However, although unique and independent retail shops and markets are the backbone of the community, support for local businesses is often overlooked. Events such as Small Business Saturday give a boost to regional economies as they remind consumers to visit their town’s markets and main streets where they can find all the gifts they need for the holiday season.
An innovative company based in Bethesda has recently been highlighted by the Chamber of Commerce as one of the best small businesses for gift buying this season. Whether consumers are purchasing luxurious skincare or tech products for children, many wait to buy during the holidays. Around 90% of small retail businesses like this one say that their overall annual profit relies heavily on boosted sales during the holiday season and consumers benefit too from the many stores that offer generous seasonal discounts to attract customers. As small businesses stock up their shelves and millions of consumers browse their stores for gifts during the busiest time of year for shopping, this extra retail purchasing activity bolsters local economies.
Gourmet food gifts and hampers full of delicious produce are very popular during the holidays as they are practical and easily tailored to suit both the recipient’s taste and the buyer’s budget. By purchasing locally produced goods, consumers are also stimulating their regional economy, supporting farming families, and strengthening the local community. In Southern Maryland the program So, Maryland, So Good helps buyers to identify genuinely local products and promotes the advantages of purchasing produce from provincial farmers to support the commercial activities that contribute to regional agribusiness.
From buying personalized gifts sold by local vendors at Baltimore’s Christmas village to one-of-a-kind and vintage treasures offered by artisans on Harford County’s main streets, it’s easy to find a special present to suit any style. At the same time, by shopping locally, consumers are doing more for the local economy than simply spending money. They are also helping to create jobs and opportunities for residents, benefiting neighborhood schools and charitable organizations and allowing towns throughout Maryland to thrive.
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