Shopping Small: A Big Deal for Communities

Walking through a mall on a Saturday morning, browsing through a kiosk filled with cute stuffed animals. That was what Aurora resident Michael Steinbarth was doing with his son. He had a clear view on why small businesses are so important. "They're like the backbone of our country, " he said. "If they're not doing well, our economy isn't either. " This was especially true on Small Business Saturday, a day started by American Express to highlight local shops. These small businesses are a huge part of the U. S. economy, making up about 44% of all economic activity. Beth Walker, who leads the Batavia MainStreet group, emphasized the importance of supporting these local businesses, especially during the holiday season. "They do a lot of their business during these months, " she explained. "And when you shop here, you're supporting your neighbors. " Studies show that about 67 cents out of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community. Paula Schmidt, the president of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that most shops in downtown Geneva are small and owned by locals. She highlighted that Small Business Saturday is a big deal for these businesses, encouraging people to shop local. Steve Warrenfeltz, the owner of Kiss the Sky records in Batavia, has been recognized for his long-lasting small business. He believes that small businesses care deeply about their customers and the community. "We're a significant part of the market, " he said. "And we build personal relationships with our customers. " Missi Hartmann, who owns The Tea Tree in Batavia, agreed. She's been in business for nearly nine years and wishes the push to shop local lasted more than just one day. Sarah Cunnar, a Batavia resident, loves shopping locally. "The money we spend stays in our community, " she said. "And it employs our neighbors. It's great to talk to the owners and get their recommendations. "