This Thursday, March 29th, we are celebrating Mom and Pop Business Owner Day! Imagine your neighborhood without any of its small, local businesses… Corner stores, hair and nail salons, consignment shops, restaurants, gas stations, and more – gone. All that would be left would be big box stores, leaving the streets empty and boring. Communities thrive on Mom and Pop stores and here are some reasons why.
Small businesses give back to the community.
When you support a local business, you are also supporting your neighborhood. Businesses pay sales taxes to the city and county the business is in, and that tax money is used to support public schools, parks, and roads as well as public service workers, like firefighters.
Small businesses provide better customer service.
One of the biggest advantages small business owners have over large retailers is the ability to provide more personal customer service. Business owners rely on 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.
Small businesses promote product diversity.
By shopping at a small business you will be able to find locally made gifts that are perfect for anyone. Not only that, but small businesses have just as much access to vendors that big box businesses do. If a small business does not have the products you are looking for, ask – they are usually more than willing to order them for you.
Local owners support other local services.
Small business owners go into their local community to buy the supporting services they need; for example, services include designers, sign makers, contractors, and accountants just to name a few. On top of that, by shopping at a business in the neighborhood, you are more likely to stop by other shops in the area.
So how can you get more involved in supporting Mom and Pop stores? Shop small, of course! Go to a locally owned corner store for that gallon of milk rather than heading to a chain grocery store, and while you are there, say “hi” and get to know the owner. Promote the businesses on your social media accounts by sharing their promotional posts and writing reviews.
If you are looking to start your own small business, The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center is here to help! Visit our website, www.scrantonsbdc.com, for more information.
Amy Simpson, Senior
WEC Intern
The University of Scranton
Small Business Development Center
#March29 #smallbiz #nepa #sbdc #scranton #momandpopbusiness #business #smallbusiness #smallbizowners
Artwork adapted from vecteezy.com
