When the last of the Thanksgiving dishes have been cleared, folks tend to quickly shift their attention to shopping.
Black Friday sales have long been a staple of the retail industry, but a more recent movement is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Establishments in Johnson City and Jonesborough will be joining locally owned businesses from coast-to-coast in celebration of Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.
Created in 2010, Small Business Saturday is a national holiday devised to celebrate and support local businesses. Recent studies have shown that, on average, $68 of every $100 spent at a locally owned business is invested back into the community. By supporting local businesses, you help create jobs and generate the sales tax revenue that funds our local school systems and allows for improved infrastructure.
Tennessee has no state income tax, so our city and county governments rely heavily on revenues generated by sales and property taxes. Having thriving retailers in our communities helps on both counts.
Johnson City’s most recent budget shrunk by about $2 million compared to the previous fiscal year, a development city leaders chalked up in part to the rise of online shopping. When you shop online, the money you spend leaves our area and the employment of thousands in our region is jeopardized.
Many local businesses in Johnson City’s downtown district will be participating in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30, and the Shop Local campaign will continue through Dec. 14.
Many of these businesses will be offering discounts, specials, giveaways and special treats for the people that patronize their businesses on Nov. 30. A full list of participating businesses can be found at: www.DowntownJC.com.
Likewise, the businesses along Jonesborough’s historic Main Street will be taking part in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30 as well. Main Street businesses will be open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., offering special incentives, giveaways and free gift wrapping.
Other locally owned businesses outside Johnson City’s downtown district and Jonesborough’s historic Main Street district will also be participating in Small Business Saturday and would greatly appreciate your support.
The holiday season can be busy, but making the effort to do our shopping at retailers located in our communities is an investment in ourselves that will keep our region strong for years to come.
