Top Four Reasons Small Businesses Should Be on Your “Nice List”
December 11, 2023
Written by Andrea Guzzi | VP/Regional Sales & Development Officer
It’s that time of year where we make an effort to put thought into the gifts that we buy for our loved ones. There’s a lot to be said for being able to touch these items with your own hands as opposed to shopping online. We are a society that has become accustomed to convenience, but here are four top reasons why the brick and mortar shops that are available in your community should be on your “nice list.”
1. Personal Connection:
Walking into a place where everyone knows your name is the personalized customer service that most people are looking for. This makes you feel like you are part of a community. It’s evident that business owners and their employees see value in personalizing their level of service to their clients’ needs. This service is more prominent with small businesses as opposed to larger corporations who may only see you as another customer with a wallet and a credit card. A local business owner brings you back to the times where they have more insight and knowledge of the products that they are selling. Plus, they can offer advice and guidance, and are able to answer any questions their customers may have.
2. Boost the Local Economy:
When making a commitment to frequent your local small businesses, you cycle money back into your community. Every time you purchase a product and/or service, the business’s taxes stay in your community. A recent LinkedIn post by Stephen Findlay shares how studies have shown that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in the community, compared to only $43 for non-local businesses.
When you frequently buy local products, you’re reinforcing to business owners that your neighborhood is a place in which businesses like theirs can thrive. They’re likely to let other business owners know that too, creating a virtuous cycle where more entrepreneurs open their own shops in the neighborhood. These businesses will need to hire staff, who will frequently be hired locally. In fact, according to the SBA, small businesses have accounted for two thirds of all jobs added in the US over the last 25 years. The more you shop at a local store, the more potential job opportunities you could help them provide. Collectively, this can have a tremendous beneficial impact on your community’s economy.
3. Environmental:
Locally owned businesses make more local purchases requiring less transportation which minimizes pollution, congestion and habitat loss. Local staff can enjoy shorter commutes to work which utilize more environmentally friendly means of transportation than driving alone. A shorter supply chain means less manufacturing, transportation, and a greater integrity of product. Additionally, local businesses are more likely to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, making eco-friendly choices in their operations and sourcing.
4. Product Diversity:
Small businesses tend to add diversity in their communities when it comes to specific products and/or services. Typically, you may not find the same uniqueness in larger retail stores. Supporting local businesses means supporting diversity and inclusion within the community, as small businesses are often founded by individuals from different backgrounds. These diverse offerings can also attract shoppers from neighboring communities who can’t find the same options elsewhere.
In conclusion, local businesses often serve as gathering places where people can come together and engage with one another, helping to build a more cohesive and supportive community. They benefit local economies and offer shopping options that you frequently cannot find elsewhere. This holiday season, make sure you support your local businesses, and you’ll find yourself in for a treat.
About Andrea:
Andrea Guzzi, a resident of Succasunna, joined Kearny Bank as a Vice President/Regional Sales & Development Officer in August of 2022. In this role, Andrea is responsible for providing sales-related oversight, coaching and development to a dozen Kearny Bank branch teams throughout northern & southern New Jersey as they foster a more thorough understanding of each client’s needs and preferences, and seeks opportunities to further strengthen client relationships. Andrea has over two decades of experience in the financial industry; her past responsibilities have included being a branch manager and managing a group of licensed bankers for one of the largest banks. Andrea is a Kean University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she is also a member of the Kearny Bank ChangeMakers and Morris County Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Andrea to learn more