SOUTHWICK – With all the Black Friday sales on the horizon, the Southwick Economic Development Commission (EDC) Chairman Michael McMahon hopes residents will support local business on Small Business Saturday.
“Spending locally supports small business and keeps your money in the local economy,” McMahon said.
Local businesses employ area residents, pay real estate tax, personal property tax, support local charities and buy from local suppliers.
Nationally since 2010 the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been known as Small Business Saturday.
“Purchases made at small local businesses contribute more to the local economy than purchases made from out of state businesses where the profit does not stay local,” said McMahon. “A business owner may use their profit to buy local supplies and that supports other local businesses.”
Southwick businesses employed more than 2,000 people in 2014.
Contributing to Small Business Saturday doesn’t necessarily mean doing all your holiday shopping that day.
“Have breakfast at a Southwick restaurant,” said Selectman Russell Fox, co-owner of Southwick Florist, during a recent Board of Selectmen discussion of the day.
Southwick has more than 20 restaurants and entertainment venues. According to state data, food establishments employ more than 300. There are several shops selling locally made or grown items as well.
“For the business community, consider special sales, advertise in local media, create mailings and other marketing pieces through area vendors,” suggested McMahon. ” Local business owners could consider joining area business organizations (Lions, Rotary, Chambers of Commerce) in the area also.”
McMahon said Southwick is open for business for the holidays, and all year long.
“Free parking and no traffic jams,” he said.
