Shop Barrington's Small Businesses

Black Friday may offer some great deals but Barrington retailers are hoping shoppers will come out for the first "Small Business Saturday." The national campaign sponsored by American Express and more than a dozen advocacy, public, and private organizations encourages consumers to shop locally on Saturday, Nov. 27 to help boost small businesses this holiday season.

"They really are the heart and soul of our community," said Peg Blanchard, Director of Economic and Community Development. "If you're shopping in town on Saturday, stop in and say thanks to our small businesses that are keeping our community viable."

Barrington Chamber of Commerce President, Janet Meyer says residents need to be aware they can make a difference by just choosing where they shop.

"They can save the local economy by shopping locally," she said.  "They can save jobs of their neighbors and create new jobs for their neighbors all by shopping locally."

According to the 3/50 project, another initiative to help save small businesses, for every $100 spent at locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. The Small Business Administration also cites small businesses employ about half of all U.S. workers.

Meyer says "Small Business Saturday" is exciting and adds to the Chamber's ongoing efforts to promote the area's uniqueness. The Chamber has been involved in the 3/50 project for several years and this summer it launched the "Shop 60010" promotional initiative. Meyers adds Barrington business owners have been busy preparing for this crucial holiday shopping season by welcoming shoppers with a variety of other events.

"They have expansive inventory set out," said Meyer.  They're all working together collaboratively to promote when you come to the Village of Barrington downtown or the Ice House Mall, you'll find unique speciality items only find in those stores."

Meyer says she's seeing the economy start to turn and many new stores have opened in Barrington, but she says making shoppers aware of what Barrington has to offer will help keep these small businesses open.

"Our  downtown does offer more variety than a year ago and in this market that's very exciting," said Meyer. "You don't need to go out of your area to find the goods and services that you can find right here at home. It's really all about – save the local economy, save jobs, create jobs."