Shop Local In New City On Small Business Saturday

NEW CITY, NY — Big name national retailers take the spotlight on Black Friday as their deep price cuts pull in shoppers in droves. What about those mom-and-pop businesses in Clarkstown and all over the Hudson Valley that are the backbone of America's economy? Just when do they get their day?

That's basically the question that was asked back in 2010 when the concept of Small Business Saturday was born.

Small Business Saturday is "a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities," the U.S. Small Business Administration explains on its website.

To find retailers taking part in the promotion, CLICK HERE.

Clarkstown town officials joined the Nanuet and New City Chambers of Commerce, and others, in urging residents to participate in Small Business Saturday Nov. 25. Some local retailers in Clarkstown will have promotions to coincide with Small Business Saturday.

Rene Rodriguez, President of the New City Chamber of Commerce, recommended people pick up Small Business Saturday reusable shopping bags at New City Florist and Gift Shop, 375 S. Main Street.

"We encourage Clarkstown residents to shop in all our downtown hamlet centers and support their local 'mom and pop shops' keeping our dollars in Clarkstown," said Town Supervisor George Hoehmann in a press release. "Our small businesses are the economic engine of our Town and I ask all residents to join me in supporting our local shop owners and our economy."

Want shop local across Rockland? Visit a website sponsored by American Express and enter your zip code to view a list of participating local businesses.

"The Nanuet Chamber is proud to support Small Business Saturday again this year. We love having well known large businesses in Nanuet, but it is the smaller, family owned businesses that make the fabric of Nanuet so unique. We will be promoting the small businesses who are participating on our website and handing out Small Business Saturday bags; check our Facebook page for details," said Risa B. Hoag, President of the Nanuet Chamber of Commerce.

Here are 10 great reasons to shop local, from Rob Greenstein, former head of the Millwood Chamber of Commerce who is now the New Castle Town Supervisor:

1. Vibrant business districts help maintain high residential property values. Research shows that a healthy and vibrant business districts boosts the economic health and quality of life in a community. So, by shopping locally you're actually benefiting yourself.
2. Vibrant business districts help defray the residential share of the property tax. Much of their taxes goes directly to help fund our great schools.
3. Small businesses contribute more to local causes and community groups. They support school and charitable causes year-round.
4. Small businesses are more invested in the community’s future as many are owned by our neighbors.
5. Small businesses offers personalized customer service and a local touch.
6. Our small businesses sell unique products and quickly meet the needs of their local customers.
7. Shopping Local keeps money in town. The 3/50 Project asks consumers what 3 businesses they would miss if they closed and to commit to spending a total of $50 a month in one or more of those three establishments. For every $50 spent in locally owned stores, $34 returns to the community through payroll, other expenditures and taxes. If you spend $50 in a national chain, only $22 stays here. If you spend it online, $0 stays here.
8. Shopping Local helps to sustain vibrant and walkable town centers.9)
9. Shopping Local is an easy way for you to join local environmental efforts - save money, save gas, save the environment!
10. When small businesses succeed, we all do!

Image via Shutterstock

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