Small Business Saturday 11/30

With only a few days until Thanksgiving, we are surrounded by advertisements for Black Friday and holiday shopping. Many of you will be rushing out to take advantage of the annual sales at big retailers. Today, we would like to remind you to save some of your shopping for Small Business Saturday as well. This is a great movement that not only recognizes the unique value of local businesses and artisans but also benefits the community.

Small business owners wear many hats. They are the decision-maker, the chief financial officer, the customer service representative, the human resources coordinator, the courier, the janitor and everything in between. They work with other local businesses and government officials to make sure they are able to grow and to continue offering quality goods. They take pride in the products and services they offer, and they give back to the community. For example, this year Grapes and Gallery has participated in fundraisers for the Lexington Medical Center, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands, Habitat for Humanity WomenBuild, as well as several other local church fundraising initiatives.

Small Business Saturday, however, is not only about recognizing the hard work and unique contribution of local companies. These companies have a significant impact on the economy and the environment. A recent article I read by Michael Salguero, CEO and Co-founder of CustomMade.com, detailed the impact of buying local. The image he used to tell his story was so amazing that you should see it yourself (on the right). To summarize, though, compared to big chain stores, small businesses contribute more to the local economy and the environmental impact is much less. 

What does all of this mean? The cost of shopping at a small business can be much less than shopping at a national retailer, especially when you consider the local financial impact and the difference in waste and pollution generated. Support your neighborhood businesses and make a difference in your community.

This year Grapes and Gallery will be participating in Small Business Saturday. We will be open from 9AM to 3PM Saturday 11/30. Everyone is welcome to stop by and shop for the artist in his/her life. We have customizable Christmas stockings, paint, brushes, canvas, and easels in addition to Grapes and Gallery gift certificates, painting packages and shirts. The basement will also be open, and every painting on the wall will be available for purchase. If you feel like painting while you are here, there will also be $20 DYOT (Do Your Own Thing) from 9AM to 1PM as well.

Stop by and join us Saturday to celebrate Small Business Saturday.

Paint your day!