Shop Local This Christmas | Free Images to Download in Support of Your Independent Retailers

Where will you chose to spend this holiday season; at a locally-owned shop or a corporate chain? Our choices are sometimes made in a rush or a panic of last-minute spending, but if you are truly in favor of supporting independent retailers, then it's important to plan ahead.

Shop Small This November | Choose Independently-Owned Businesses

How can you support the mom and pop businesses this holiday season? Think of ways you can make the effort to visit, use and enjoy the best that your town or city has to offer by planning ahead. It's not just ONE time to go out and spend locally, but more importantly it's a series of decision that over time often become a way of life.

"Don't Let The Independent Businesses Fade From Your Town"

They say that by the age of 6 a child can recognize 100 corporate logos. If this is true it's terribly sad, for it reiterates the fact that to the familiar brands, colors and signs the public will gravitate. Here in my town landlords can charge much higher rents to chain stores and I've yet to meet one who would turn down additional income simply to keep a locally owned tradition around - yet these are the people who were built by the tenants they're now seeking to get rid of.

What Are You Waiting For? Support Your Independent Retailers Today!

I'm not sure people realize what they have lost until something is no longer available. Perhaps we wait until we feel a pang of regret or loss, or when a reminder pops up which abruptly brings us back to face reality of that which is gone and lingers now only as a fading memory, and while we might say we understand the importance of preserving certain elements which provide our streets, neighborhoods and downtowns with a distinct atmosphere, does that really motivate us to stop en route to Walmart and consider alternative choices?

Small Business and Father's Day: 11 Fun Ways To Celebrate Locally

It's almost that time of year again to celebrate and thank dear old Dad for everything he does. We are here with a PSA to help you avoid generic gift choices from the big box stores by offering some creative, alternative suggestions instead! (After all, your pop probably doesn't really want something boring from Awful-Mart or the mall, so why not plan something a little more interesting for the weekend?)

      

Family-Friendly Ways To Support Local Businesses this Summer

Did you know that some of the best times of the year are right ahead of us? For many folks, summertime is a season of outdoor fun, togetherness and adventures. With the festivities and celebrations which are sprinkled throughout the warmer months come many opportunities to choose exciting new establishments and attractions to explore.

"What It's Like" | the Reality of Closing a Beloved Small Business

Maybe you weren't following my blog or page a year or two ago, or perhaps you saw the posts and it just didn't occur to you to read them. Or maybe actually following the journey of a small business owner as he said goodbye just didn't appear to be something significant. This time however, it was. Better than almost anyone who had put into words what it's like, Mr. Carlo offered all of us not only the chance to say farewell but the opportunity to glimpse the process of closing. It was painful but poignant and more than anything it showed such a love of customers and community that few people can understand.

Perhaps you would have to have been a small business owner yourself to really "get it", but for those folks who believe that a locally owned shop is just a building or a storefront or a hobby, it painted a picture of the incredible connections that people form with one another. And while being a shop owner is a privilege and an honor, it's also like cutting off a piece of yourself should it ever end. In October of 2014 they announced their closing.

Ten Great Ways to Support Your Local Businesses this Weekend

Here are 10 super easy ways to support your independent businesses this weekend, while learning to make good choices as a family! From the local grocery market to the neighborhood hardware store, it's not difficult to "choose local" and invest right in your own community.

     

Happy National Caramel Popcorn Day (April 6th)

We love finding holidays which celebrate niche markets and specific products, because most often those are companies owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. You likely won't find the world's greatest fudge or ice cream at a chain store but across the country, small businesses are often the ones who can legitimately lay claim to the title of "best", "the original" or "authentic" local specialty items.

Me and My Independent Retail Store: We Are a Part of Our Community

A look at the things in life that matter, seen through the eyes of a small business owner; a glimpse of what it means to be a part of their town. Reposted with permission.

Small Business Love For A Sweeter Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is an important time of the year for small business owners. Choosing to spend with the independently-owned places is an important decision, which either takes money away from your community - or strengthens it. Your efforts to visit and support them can really make a difference!

It's National Pharmacist Day | Do You Use An Independently-Owned Pharmacy?

National Pharmacist Day is Tuesday, January 12th. We would like to hear about the many locally-owned and operated businesses that you use or operate, that may have been a part of your town or neighborhood for decades or even generations. Stop by Facebook page at Go Independent, Shop Locally Anywhere USA and tell us about the places you support!