This Saturday, Picayune Main Street and the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce would like to encourage people to get a head start on Christmas shopping by participating in Small Business Saturday.
According to AmericanExpress.com, Small Business Saturday was founded in 2010 to help businesses gain customers, by encouraging people to shop at small locally owned businesses.
Picayune Main Street Director Reba Beebe said shopping local helps strengthen the community.
“Small businesses are owned by people who live right here in Pearl River County, “ Beebe said. “They go to church, their children attend the schools, they coach little league teams, donate to local animal shelters, participate in Toys for Tots and much more. When we spend money in locally owned retail businesses, restaurants and beauty salons, we are supporting our neighbors.”
When people shop at a local business, the owner or a family member will most likely wait on them, Beebe said. When people shop small, the majority of money and taxes spent stays local, which in turn helps schools and municipalities.
“Research shows that for every $100 spent in a local business, $68 stays in the community,” Beebe said. “At a local chain store branch, $43 remains and virtually no money stays local when people shop online.”
Chamber of Commerce Director April Lovelace said locally owned businesses shape Picayune’s character and gives the city its distinct personality.
“Shopping small with our local business owners saves you money,” Lovelace said. “Out-of-town shops have done a good job of convincing us that local business equals expensive.”
But, when purchasing items from out-of-town, shoppers should consider the cost of travel, higher sales tax and their time, Lovelace said.
Almost 20 shops in Picayune will be participating in the event including Barze´ Antiques, April’s Art, A & A Gifts, Crystal Gallery, Latino Grocery, Angel’s Place, Shay’s Thrift Store, Treasures and More, Shabby Chic, Bre’s Clothing and Accessories, Bonnie Blue Boutique, Glass Porch, Dancewear Connection, Kimono Dragon, Melinda’s, Now and Then, Nostalgia, Infused and Faith Platinum.
Beebe said that some businesses will be offering special deals throughout the day.
Learn more about Small Business Saturday, Picayune Main Street and the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce at www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/, www.picayunemainstreet.com and www.picayunechamber.org.