As I Drove Through My Town....."There Would Now Be A Chain"

Written after a drive through a small town, witnessing the final steps in the journey of a beloved local business. Franchises and chain stores can pay higher rents, and landlords will sometimes get rid of a mom and pop shop for just that reason. It happens all the time but this time it stung my heart just a bit more, struck with the realization that we'd lost yet another independent business. 

Small Business Matters | Being a Team Player in the Local Movement

Today on my Facebook page I re-shared this graphic, again. Not because I wanted to get more mileage out of one graphic, but because this same concept continues to crop up again and again. It's not rocket science to realize that if you wish to have area residents coming into your business to support YOU, then inevitably you will need to do the same. "What goes around" holds true in networking, community relationships and reciprocal business interactions. This is a good thing! Just make sure you are not the one always on the "expecting" end of things but rarely going out to show other independents the same type of support.

Support Local Businesses for Valentine's Day

Doesn't your sweetheart deserve the very best? This Valentine's Day let the chain stores sell their bland, ordinary gift items, pre-packaged chocolates and predictable imported-days-ago flowers. (because nothing says love like the mass produced bear-in-a-balloon from every big box retailer.)

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.