The holidays are upon us. Next week, after the nation has celebrated Thanksgiving with turkey and all the trimmings, millions will head out to the stores for some shopping. Black Friday has become a tradition, just as much as pumpkin pie and stuffing.
While the holidays are more about showing those you love how you appreciate them, gift-buying is a major part of the season. This year, show your appreciation for your loved ones and your community by shopping local.
Each and every year, Thanksgiving reminds us to be thankful for all that we have. It’s a reminder that we should be considerate of others, many of whom have less than us. The day after Thanksgiving marks Black Friday, and it’s a day to support another important part of our community: local businesses. From the numerous shopping plazas to the Mall at Wellington Green, you’re bound to find something for everyone on your list this year from a store that employs local residents and often whose owners are local residents.
This time of year, local retailers should be seeing a huge uptick in sales, but with the popularity of online shopping and the appearance of national brands across the western communities, mom-and-pop stores can often be overlooked. It’s crucial we support these local businesses; businesses that are owned by our friends and neighbors. Small businesses are crucial to the local economy. For every $100 you spend locally, $73 is circulated throughout the local economy. This money is paid to our local governments in taxes, goes to our schools and paves our roads.
It’s not just taxes they pay. Local owners are more likely to invest in the community they live and work in. They donate to our fundraisers, support sports teams and hire their employees from our community. They help keep jobs local, and keep the community running.
If you’re looking for a local business that offers a particular product or service, we recommend searching the online member directories of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce (www.wellingtonchamber.com) and the Central Palm Beach County Chambers of Commerce (www.cpbchamber.com). Additionally, businesses of all types can be found advertising in the pages of this newspaper.
From the Town-Crier family to your family, have a happy Thanksgiving!
