Small businesses ready for “shop small” support this season
by Emma Ellard
As Christmas rounds the corner, Clinton small businesses are gearing up for one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year. The Clinton Chamber of Commerce is planning several initiatives to encourage Clinton locals to spend their dollars on local retailers.
“We just really want to keep at the forefront of all of our community members’ minds that what they’re looking for, they probably can find locally,” said Anna Nutt, who serves as the executive director of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. “We want them to go into those businesses before they go to Amazon or something like that.”
After the Christmas shopping season for the city of Clinton kicked off with the Clinton Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Happenings in early November, Clinton residents have yet another special opportunity to shop – and dine – small.
Small Business Saturday, which takes place this year on November 30, is a nationwide campaign founded by American Express. Communities across the country can register to be participants in the campaign, dubbed “Neighborhood Champions.” On the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year, Neighborhood Champions hold events to encourage locals to shop and dine with their city’s local businesses.
November 30 marks the fifteenth year of the campaign, and Clinton’s twelfth year as a participant.
Even between days set aside to celebrate small businesses, locals can support Clinton retailers and find holiday deals. Nutt plans to encourage Clinton locals attending the annual Yule Run and Christmas parade to pour back into the community by spending the afternoon shopping and eating in town.
“You’re already out,” Nutt said. “Go out to eat somewhere local, stop by a couple of shops!”
“[The Chamber] wouldn’t exist if we didn’t have those businesses, and Clinton wouldn’t be the small, good and great community it is without those businesses, so it’s kind of a partnership,” Nutt said. “They’re obviously doing the heavy lifting on their end – I’ve worked in retail, and I know what it’s like to be a retailer during the holidays. We just try to be the support for them.”
Visit Clinton shops to discover holiday deals and promotions, and visit the Clinton Chamber of Commerce website at ClintonChamber.org or on Facebook for more information about local businesses and #ShopLocal initiatives.
