The holiday season is fast approaching. It is a time of wonder and cheer but also stress and late nights for consumers and business owners alike.
Oftentimes, small business owners worry the products and services they provide will be overlooked by consumers who more quickly turn to their big-name competitors for their holiday necessities.
However, as consumers prepare their holiday shopping lists and make their plans this year, they must keep in mind they can do so while still supporting the small businesses that make their communities thrive.
Here are 5 ways consumers can support small businesses during the holiday season:
1. Shop small for gifts.
One of the easiest ways consumers can support small businesses during the holiday season is by purchasing the gifts they plan to give to their family and friends from them. Whether these are physical products or gift cards for a small business’s services, this is an easy way they can support them. Consumers often turn to big-name stores and brands to buy their gifts. However, shopping small can actually lead consumers to purchase more unique and thoughtful gifts. Therefore, shopping small for gifts is a great way for consumers to support the small businesses in their communities.
2. Host a holiday party at a small business.
Another way consumers can support small businesses during the holiday season is by hosting holiday festivities at them. Whether these small businesses are restaurants, art studios, or boutiques, many are happy to host holiday parties or get-togethers. Doing so is a great way for small businesses to garner consumer interest during the holiday season. Furthermore, many people who attend festivities at these businesses will likely spend money during their time there and continue to be customers after the holiday season comes to an end. Therefore, this is a great way to support small businesses during the holiday season and beyond.
3. Give back to the community.
Consumers can also work to support small businesses during the holiday season by giving back to them. By reaching out to small business owners, consumers can determine ways to support individual businesses during this time. Some small businesses may be in need of volunteers to help them get through the holiday rush while others may need monetary donations. Regardless, many small businesses will appreciate any acts of service consumers can contribute. After all, one of the best ways to spread the holiday spirit is by giving back to the businesses and individuals that serve your community.
4. Purchase holiday party essentials.
Another easy way consumers can uplift small businesses during the holiday season is by relying on them for all of their holiday party essentials. It is likely that many consumers will be able to purchase everything from food to drinks to party favors to decor from small businesses in their communities. Doing so will not only give these businesses a boost in sales but will also allow
consumers to avoid the holiday rush at many big-name stores. Furthermore, small businesses are likely to provide higher quality, unique products that consumers will not be able to find at larger stores. Also, they are less likely to be sold out, being the more reliable option for consumers all around. Therefore, consumers can support small businesses by turning to them to purchase all of their holiday party essentials.
5. Spread the holiday spirit.
Lastly, consumers can show support to small businesses during the holiday season through small acts of kindness that are guaranteed to spread the holiday spirit. Consumers can uplift small business owners and their employees and show they care about them by dropping off holiday cards, gift cards, candy canes, or cookies. They do not have to spend a lot of money to make a big impact. Whether they drop off a holiday card for the whole office or a cookie for each employee, they are guaranteed to make small business owners and their employees feel happy and appreciated. These small acts of kindness will help get them into the holiday spirit while letting them know their community supports them.
Showing support to small businesses during the holiday season is one of the easiest yet important measures consumers can take. When they do, they not only show small business owners and their employees that they care about them but they also help them continue to thrive. Therefore, consumers must strive to keep small businesses in mind this holiday season when they are buying gifts, preparing for their holiday parties, or just looking to spread holiday cheer.
PaySmart is a payroll provider located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, supporting small
businesses in the Central PA region. We are dedicated to helping small businesses take care of their payroll needs. To learn more information about how PaySmart may provide payroll solutions, please get in touch with us at 717-766-1777. Our New Client Concierge is waiting for you!