12/04/2025
**Please share!!**
Nothing new today, so let's talk... Please take the minute or two to read. Also, put on some instrumental piano music to really set the mood.
A lot of small businesses are feeling the hurt so far this holiday season. The big box stores with their lower prices, their greater reach and their online presence, are really taking it to the mom and pop stores across the country. Black Friday used to be Friday, now it's the whole month. Cyber Monday was just Monday, now it's the whole week. By the time December hits, most shopping is already done and within a week, we'll be burnt out on Christmas because we have been hammered with it since August.
I know it's easy to order from these stores online, but socializing is also important.
I fear there will be a day when a family shopping trip will be everyone heading to the living room, sitting on the couch with their phones, adding things to online carts, purchasing, and then going back into their respecitve rooms. Which honestly, we may already be at that point. The days of going downtown and hitting the small shops may become a thing of the past.
Remember fresh air? Holding your kids hands as you walk down the street. Seeing the joy in their faces when they see a beautiful window display, or a toy in the window that they hope will be under their tree. Cuddling up with your spouse as you try to stay warm. Easy isn't always better.
So please, don't forget the little guys. Not only do you keep the money local, but it'll also come with someone who appreciates you and thinks of you as a friend. Heck, you may even get that socializing aspect and be able to have a conversation with an employee as you shop, which you don't get online or at some of the big box stores.
In closing, shop small before there isn't anymore "small" to shop at. You'll miss it when it's gone.
