The holidays bring a lot of spending.
Gifts. Food. Decorations. Parties. Family visits. Services. Gift cards.
That makes the holiday season a good time to think about where our money goes.
When we shop with locally owned businesses in Gloucester County, we are supporting people who live and work in our community. These businesses hire local employees, support community events, donate to local causes, and help give Gloucester its small-town character.
One simple way to help is to pay with cash when possible.
Credit and debit card companies usually charge businesses a fee when we use a card. For a small business, those fees can add up during a busy holiday season. Cash may allow the business to keep more of what you spend.
But your support can go much further than your purchase.
Create your own “Gloucester gift guide” on social media. Share a few local businesses where friends can find gifts, food, services, or experiences.
When someone says, “I don’t know what to buy,” recommend a local business.
Tag local businesses in holiday photos when their food, products, decorations, or services are part of your celebration.
Invite visiting family and friends to eat, shop, or explore locally while they are here.
If you belong to a church, civic group, neighborhood group, or business organization, suggest local vendors for holiday meals, gifts, printing, flowers, awards, and events.
Ask your employer to consider local businesses when buying employee gifts or planning a holiday party.
Share local businesses’ holiday hours, special events, and posts. A share may help them reach a customer they could never reach on their own.
If you receive great service during a busy holiday rush, leave a review and mention the employee who helped you.
You can also follow local businesses before the holidays are over. Staying connected gives you a chance to support them during the slower months after the holiday rush.
Small businesses are part of the backbone of small-town America. They help make Gloucester a place people want to call home.
This holiday season, every gift gives us a choice.
We can send our money somewhere far away, or we can give some of it back to the community we live in.
Shop local. Pay with cash when you can. Share the businesses you love. Bring them new customers.
That is a gift that can last long after the holidays are over.
FutureView CPA
Make More Money – Truly Understand the Drivers Behind Your Organization’s Success
(757) 926-4109
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