Our Main Streets, downtowns, and village centers are filled with small businesses. Many make their home in historic buildings, adding vibrancy to their communities and contributing to the state’s economy. Yet without customers, their future is precarious. The Preservation Alliance listed Main Streets statewide on their Seven to Save list three years ago because of challenges small businesses are facing related to pandemic fall-out, changing shopping norms and rising costs.

Historic Main Streets were part of the Preservation Alliance’s *Seven to Save* List in 2020

Small Business Saturday, created by American Express, has been raising awareness about the benefits of local holiday shopping at small businesses, defined as shops, farms, restaurants, and firms that employ fewer than 20 people since 2010. Plaid Friday was created to celebrate the creativity and diversity of small businesses and try to transform holiday shopping for family and friends into a more connected, pleasurable activity than Black Friday. Small businesses make up nearly 90% of overall businesses in the United States. Two-thirds of dollars spent in local small businesses stay in the local economy, and many small businesses rely on holiday sales to carry them through the winter months.

Shopping local has other benefits too. The huge volume of packaging required for on-line shopping contributes to our already overburdened landfills. Limits on store capacity and strict social distancing protocols at big-box retailers might mean frustrating waiting times to get into the store and to check out. And big-box stores contribute to sprawl, which changes our landscapes forever.

So, this year especially, give your holiday shopping business to your local retailers!

Shopping at your local retailers has far-reaching benefits

Here are some “out of the box” ideas to get you started:

Local farmers produce high quality foods that travel short distances and help preserve our cultural landscape. Many have farm stands open all winter or participate in weekly farmers’ markets.
Local artists are creating one-of-a-kind products that can become heirlooms that last longer and mean more than imported mass-produced products.
Many museums have well-curated stores, scheduled ticket times and gift memberships. Your purchase helps support the preservation of their buildings and collections.
Many nonprofits hold fundraisers like auctions during this time of year where you can find both essentials and extravagances. Your purchase will make you feel good about supporting a deserving charity.
Hardware stores located in downtowns are great community assets. And they have lots of useful products that make great gifts: candles, bird-feeders and seed, small appliances, gardening supplies, and much more.
General stores often carry more than just the basics, with offerings like textiles, candies, breads, cheeses, jams, and beverages, often produced by local vendors.
Independent booksellers can recommend something for everyone on your list, from best-sellers to local authors. Childrens’ sections often include popular toys, puzzles, and games.
The N.H. Preservation Alliance offers gifts for the old home lover and preservationist on your list. Options include architectural and heritage books, preservation jams and preserves, and weatherization kits. Shop here or give us a call.

Shopping local will make you feel good this season. Greet your neighbors--from a distance--and invest in your community’s future. Everything you purchase will stimulate the local economy, keep local businesses open, create jobs, and help preserve our buildings and our landscapes. And most importantly, your gifts will bring smiles and delight to the recipients.

Reading list:

It's Handy Having these Historic Hardware Stores — New Hampshire Preservation Alliance

Keeping NH's General Stores Open

2019 Seven to Save: General Stores — New Hampshire Preservation Alliance

Sources:

https://www.fbfs.com/learning-center/history-of-small-business-Saturday

https://sbecouncil.org/about-us/facts-and-data/

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