Small Business Saturday 2017

If you're a regular reader of our blog, you know we at ERA First Advantage are enthusiastic supporters of small businesses. As Realtors, we are technically each small business owners in charge of our own success, so we completely understand the excitement, fear, stress, and pride other small business owners experience. We also believe these small businesses make our community stand out; they provide a variety of outstanding products and showcase the incredibly talented makers and designers we have around the Tri-State. We promoting these businesses to incoming residents and visitors to our towns.

Next Saturday, November 25 is Small Business Saturday all across the country. Whether you're in the Tri-State or away visiting family and friends, you can get out and shop these wonderful establishments. From Jasper to Newburgh, Evansville to Henderson and Owensboro, we have some seriously fabulous local businesses carrying home decor, stylish clothes for the whole family, gourmet foods, toys, books, and many other unique gift ideas. There are also many businesses in the area that provide gift ideas that aren't things. Consider giving a gift card to a local restaurant, golf course, Sky Zone, Metro Sports, a dance studio, a yoga package, or a spa day. These businesses are all locally owned and operated as well! 

This year, we encourage all of you to venture out and do a little holiday shopping at your local favorites, and may even discover a few new gems as well! In the spirit of celebrating next week's Small Business Saturday, we'd like to share just a few of the benefits of shopping local. 

1. Make a day of it. Enjoy breakfast or brunch at your favorite local eatery. Then leisurely stroll through your favorite stores with your favorite people at your own pace -- no crazy lines or mad dashes for "deals". 

2. By shopping small, you're also helping support your local schools, fire departments, and local governments. The majority of the taxes that small businesses go into our local government to pay for things like sidewalk paving, community safety, education, etc.

3. You're helping raise your property values. It's common knowledge that communities with vibrant, lively social and retail scenes are more desirable for new residents. Theses advantages could lead to a nice increase in home values.

4. You support your neighbors. Locally owned businesses are run by people we know. When you spend your money in a local shop or restaurant, you're supporting, sometimes literally, your neighbor or a business owner who lives in your town.

5. You'll have a "Wow, where'd you get that?" moment. These are the best. Our local makers and curators are fantastic at bringing unique, high-quality goods to our small shops. The staff members in these stores are also knowledgeable and passionate about their goods, so let them help you pick the perfect gifts for your loved ones. 

Why do you shop local, and what are your favorite locally owned establishments? Share with us & our other readers to we can all get out and support local next Saturday!