Wyandotte's Shop Small Saturday is a good way to support local merchants, and according to the event organizer, shoppers should adopt the concept all year.

Shopping local supports the businesspeople who regularly step up to back local events and organizations in the community, said Nicole Baker, member center manager for the Wyandotte Community Choice Credit Union location, which is sponsoring the event. “Many of our members are small business owners and we understand how important the holiday season is to their bottom-line,” Baker said.


Get a deal

The shopping extravaganza is November 25. Canvas tote bags with coupons, special offers and other business incentives will be given to the first 200 shoppers.

“We are doing everything we can do to get people in the city shopping and learning about what’s available,” she said, adding that she grew up in the city and was intrigued watching her mom stand in line to get bags filled with savings opportunities during past shop local events.

“It was fun,” she said. “This needs to be carried on long after that one day out of the year. We want to show the significance of what supporting local can do. Some businesses are struggling to get people in their doors and marketing isn’t always a big budget item for businesses who are independently owned.”


Work together

Joanna Brookshire, owner of Brooks Books, said support from residents is symbiotic with maintaining a thriving neighborhood.

“You can’t have a small business without the support of the community, and small businesses keep the community going,” she said.

Since she opened the bookstore in 2021 she has sponsored a dance studio, hockey teams and other programs.

“It keeps the money here in the community,” Brookshire said.

Similarly, a Small Business Saturday shop local campaign was launched by American Express in November 2010 to help small businesses gain exposure and to inspire consumers to shop within their own communities during the holiday season.


Benefits multiplied

Local businesses also contribute to the economy by creating jobs. In fact, small businesses are the primary source of new jobs in the United States. Another perk from making local purchases is the tax revenue made through sale taxes go to support the local government and is used to reinvest in the community.

Local shops that thrive can also put money in residents’ pockets by bolstering the nearby real estate market. When small businesses slump, local real estate often does as well.

Business owners across the city feel the same way.

Patti Christie, who owns Hoods Do it Best with her brother John Christie, said shoppers are not only putting money back into their community when they shop local, but they’re also supporting several families in the community who work at the store.

“We strongly believe the level of personal service, selection and overall friendliness of a small business makes shopping in one a rewarding experience,” Patti said.

“At Hoods we have over 170 years of experience and knowledge in many areas, something you will not find in a big box store or online,” she added. “Take a moment and give your local small businesses a try and make someone happy today.”

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