West Newsmagazine 11-27-19

34 I SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY I
November 27, 2019
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
DON’T MISS THE MAGIC
Saturday & Sunday Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 7 & Dec. 8
Open boarding all day! 11am til 4pm
The Pointsettia Express, a full size dining car visit and pictures with Santa (check Facebook for time),
two huge model train displays. Pets welcome.
Choose from twelve thousand pointsettias grown here at Fahr’s!
There will be fresh holiday arrangements and many Christmas décor items for puchase.
18944 St. Albans Rd. (Hwy. T)
Wildwood MO 63038
5 minutes west of Wildwood Town Center
636.458.3991 • www.fahrgreenhouse.com
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CELEBRATING
37 YEARS OF
BEING FAMILY
OWNED &
OPERATED
By JESSICA MESZAROS
Local businesses are the lifeblood of a
community. Whether it’s a new coffee shop
on the corner or a new bookstore down the
street, local businesses are owned by community
members who take pride in getting
to know their customers and offering personalized
service.
They also tend to carry unique and
unusual items and can help shoppers find
gifts for family members and friends, not
just during the holiday season, but yearround
as well.
In an effort to recognize the importance
of small businesses, the tradition
of Small Business Saturday began 10
years ago to inspire families and shoppers
across the country to patronize the
small businesses that keep communities
thriving, boost the local economy and
provide a substantial impact on the local
work force.
All those reasons and more are exactly
why credit card giant American Express
created the holiday on Nov. 27, 2010. The
campaign launched to help small businesses
gain additional exposure, to change
the way consumers shop within their own
community during the holiday season and
as a way for smaller businesses to compete
with Black Friday.
Since then, American Express determined
that Small Business Saturday spending
has now reached a reported estimate of
$103 billion since the day began in 2010.
According to the U.S. Small Business
Administration [SBA], there are about
28.8 million small businesses in the country.
Those small businesses account for
about 99.7% of all businesses and about
64% of new jobs in the U.S. Small businesses
continue to create two out of every
three new jobs. Veterans own nearly 10%
of all small businesses in the country.
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The big local impact of Small
Business Saturday
Here are even more reasons to shop
small:
• Studies show that by shopping at a
local, small business, you’re supporting
your neighborhood at the same time.
According to American Express, for every
dollar spent at a small business in the
U.S., approximately 67 cents stays in the
local community. Businesses pay sales tax
to the city and county in which they are
located, and those tax dollars are used to
support parks, schools, roads, etc. If you
shop online or at a bigger business based
elsewhere, fewer of those dollars stay
local.
• Smaller businesses have the unique
ability to relate to customers on a more
personal level due to their quaint atmosphere
and desire to keep customers happy
and returning time after time. Smaller businesses
also are typically much more receptive
to customers’ requests and needs.
• Many small businesses give back to
their communities by donating to charitable
organizations. Local businesses often
help advertise for events and fundraisers or
donate a portion of their profits to deserving
causes.
• Small businesses are the community.
The owners and employees of small businesses
are your neighbors, your fellow
PTO members and members of your
church congregation.
Many cities have begun the practice of
hosting citywide events to help residents
get excited about shopping local. Check
your municipality’s calendar for community
events centered around the occasion.
Next time you’re craving a coffee or
deciding where to grab a bite to eat, choose
local and encourage your friends to do the
same.
On Nov. 30, remember to use #Shop-
Small and #SmallBusinessSaturday on
social media.
Celebrating 50 Years of Family Owned Tradition
• EXCELLENT SERVICE
• EXPERT INSTALLATION
• ACCREDITED BBB BUSINESS
Finance Available with approved credit
6 Meramec Valley Plaza • Valley Park, MO
(Hwy 141 & Marshall Rd. - Across From Carol House Furniture)
(636) 225-8350
Hours: Monday 9:30 am - 7 pm • Tuesday - Friday 9:30 am - 5 pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 2 pm • Closed on Sundays
We Offer
Expert Repair on
all Jewelry and
Watches!
Bridal Sets • Engagement Rings • Pendants • Necklaces • Bangles • Bracelets • Earrings • Watches
12360 Olive Blvd. • Creve Coeur
314.205.9888 • hyattjewelers.com