As the seasonal shopping frenzy approaches, Long Beach officials are nudging its denizens to turn their holiday dollars towards local vendors on Small Business Saturday, designated for November 30. Highlighting the importance of community commerce, this day sits neatly between the retail giants' events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, offering a counterpoint that emphasizes hometown economic growth over national sales pushes.
"By shopping local on Small Business Saturday and all holiday season long, residents can discover hidden gems, support local entrepreneurs and help create a thriving economy," Mayor Rex Richardson said, as reported by the City of Long Beach's website. Eclectic as it is enticing, the local business landscape in Long Beach boasts more than 35,000 businesses and several business improvement districts – each offers an array of items and services to check off any holiday list. Shopping local not just bolsters the city’s financial health but also underpins job creation and enhances the communal fabric.
In a bid to stir the public’s spending spirit towards this initiative, the city's Economic Development Department has rolled out a social media campaign that will run through the end of the month. It spotlights retailers and underscores the benefits of shopping within the local confines. Inducements to shop on-site include free metered parking on November 30 at selected locations, such as Downtown Long Beach and Belmont Shore, furthering the city's initiative to keep holiday dollars within the community.
Reminding us of the impact one's shopping habits can have on a local scale, the National Small Business Administration points out that for every $100 spent at local businesses, $68 will stay in the community. Last year's Small Business Saturday saw nearly $17 billion spent nationwide according to figures Richardson touted. In Long Beach, where touristic attractions such as the renowned Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific beckon, the thrust towards localism during the holidays provides not only an economic boost but also a reduced environmental footprint and spurs innovation.
Residents looking to learn more about the local businesses and the city's development efforts can find a wealth of information on the Long Beach Economic Development Department's website. With diverse neighborhoods and a vibrant culture, the city hopes to attract its citizens to the unique offerings available right in their backyard.
