Shoppers Across the IE Prepare for Shop Local Day

While most people will be doing battle at large retailers, dozens of people from across the region plan to be far from the shopping

Among them is Occupy Redlands, which serves Loma Linda and includes members from Banning to Colton. The group officially put out the word they have no plans to shop.

Instead, the group’s members plan to join those from across the region in observing Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26.

“On Friday, we plan to spend time with family and friends, bake holiday cookies, read books, watch football, and eat Thanksgiving leftovers,” said Keith Jackson, Occupy Redlands committee member.

It’s a small form of protest for the group who’s made improving their community a goal. The irony is the shopping day was started and is backed by financial giant American Express and has the corporate backing by FedEx and other financial institutions.

Small Business Saturday encourages people to spend money in locally owned stores. Supporting local business strengthens a city's economy, providing essential sales tax funds to cities across the Inland Empire and the Pass.

Wedged between well-known Black Friday and the up-and-coming Cyber Monday Saturday has become one of three “observed” holiday shopping days.

This is the second year and supports the efforts of cities across the state to bring increased sales tax in their towns.

Beaumont Chamber of Commerce director Sean Balingit and his staff have been working to find ways to keep dollars in their area. Beaumont feels the larger chains do bring in more business, recently touting the addition of a Chase Bank in the town.

“I’m excited that Chase is expanding,” Balingit is quoted in the chamber's newsletter during an October business expo, which featured more than 40 vendors, most locally owned. “Even in this economy, they say they’re expanding. Our vendors have been great — they know as a business they’ve got to be out and be seen, and people have been coming to see what’s out there and realizing that a lot of the services available in other cities are also available right here. Hopefully we can help retain more local dollars.”

The Pass Economic Development Association has also created a website touting local shopping options. Local merchants are able to list their businesses and advertise special offers on ShopThePass.com.

Businesses that are a part of the Banning, Beaumont or Calimesa chamber of commerce can add their listing or advertise specials on the website for free.