Shop locally for the holidays

The Holly Springs Main Street Chamber is excited to announce Small Business Season, said executive director Christy Owens.

“New this year, the Main Street Chamber is launching a program to support small businesses,” Owens said. “Beginning Nov. 1 Main Street Chamber kicked off its marketing efforts. Throughout the holiday shopping season, the Chamber is encouraging consumers to “Think Small” and earmark at least part of their holiday spending in support of local small businesses.”

Owens said small business is the backbone of our local economy. Data show 64 percent of new jobs in the United States come from small businesses.

“When people spend their dollars locally, more money stays locally,” Owens said. “On average, for every $100 spent locally, $68 of that stays here in our community.”

By implementing Small Business Season, the Main Street Chamber hopes to encourage people to patronize all sorts of small local businesses this holiday season. In addition to wonderful retail options, there are dining establishments, personal service providers, even local artisans that need support, she said.

“Small Business Season is a way to help our residents develop a better appreciation for how their spending affects Owens said.

In addition to increased marketing efforts, the Holly Springs Main Street Chamber is planning the following holiday events: Christmas Open House, Shop Small Saturday, and the Annual Holly Jolly Christmas Parade.

The Chamber encourages all businesses to participate in its efforts to raise awareness of how supporting small local businesses improves the quality of life for the entire community.

“All businesses need one another. There’s a symbiotic relationship. But small business is the most endangered because many small businesses don’t operate with large cash reserves. When costs skyrocket, they feel it,” said Jerry Fitch, Jr., board president.

Local Main Street Chamber partners are excited to be a part of Small Business Season this year. The pandemic brought attention to local businesses and what they bring to the community and Small Business Season helps get holiday shoppers excited about the unique experiences they offer, Fitch said.

The Holly Springs Main Street Chamber challenges everyone in the area to support small local businesses this holiday season.

Small Business Season is a free global marketing campaign created to help share the message and educate communities on the importance of supporting not just a local businesses, but neighbors and friends. Small businesses support their community by creating jobs as well as donating to local nonprofits, to youth organizations, and to local events.

For more information contact the Holly Springs Main Street Chamber by calling 662252-2943 or by email at hsmsc@outlook.com.