Small Business Saturday: Shopping local pays off
BONNERS FERRY — During the national Small Business Saturday event, people are encouraged to shop locally and help support their communities throughout the country.
There are many reasons to shop locally, especially during the holiday seasons. When shopping for gifts, there is a variety of craft fairs and fundraisers that not only give attendees the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts, but support local residents as well.
Supporting local businesses not only means supporting a community member, it assists in supporting the community as a whole.
“As a local shop owner, especially one that is not in the most ‘convenient’ location, I have to say how much I really appreciate the people that support our store and take the time to come across the tracks to find out what we are about,” said Tara St. Clair Nelson, owner of Ash Street Services & Market. “We may be one little shop, but we represent many local people.”
In Boundary County, many business owners, as well as community members who do not own a business, continuously support those in the area who are in need of assistance. From helping a stranger who has a broken down vehicle on the side of a road, to helping community members with financial assistance in order for them to make it to doctors appointments, the community members in Boundary County continuously support one another.
Another reason to shop locally is to assist not only local business owners, but also allow them to hire assistance, providing local jobs, and in turn, giving back to the community.
“Buying local means supporting the community we live in and love; hiring local means the same thing, a lot of people in our community come together when others struggle or have medical issues etc.,” said local resident Aaron Stuber. “I shop local as often as possible because I have friends and family that work at stores and businesses locally I want to see them succeed.”
Locally spent money is mainly recycled into local businesses, boosting the economy as well.
“I prefer to support our local small town business owners,” said Shannon Mcnutt. “I prefer to keep my community strong.”
Shopping locally also reduces the environmental impact, reducing waste in the local landfill by eliminating shipping waste, reducing gas use, and, in turn, saving money.
“We did our share of local shopping recently,” said Debby Daniel Curran. “We had to search online for a few things not available in our sizes but what was available we bought here. We got to shop our local shops to keep them here and to support them.”
“I discovered quickly after moving to Bonners Ferry that there are a lot of businesses that are invested in the community,” said Scott Stover. “Now, when I shop local; when I walk into any of my favorite establishments, I feel an emotional connection, and I trust them. There is great value in that. Not to mention that Super 1’s apple fritters are the bomb.”
With the continuously supportive community, shopping locally will assist in keeping the “support ball” rolling throughout Boundary County.