Beyond Small Business Saturday: Supporting Stratford Businesses Year-Round

Small Business Saturday is great, but what about the other 364 days? I live in Stratford and have worked in retail forever. I believe our local businesses are super important.

It’s more than just buying stuff. It’s about investing in our friends, creating jobs, and making Stratford special.

I’m Mark Johnson, and I’ve seen this firsthand. I worked at Fresh Foods Market and now I’m a retail consultant. I’ve learned that when local businesses do well, the whole town does well. Let’s see how we can keep the Small Business Saturday spirit going all year long.

Why Support Local? It’s More Than Just a Transaction

Think about walking down Main Street. Notice the cool shops, the friendly people, and the character? These aren’t just stores; they’re what make Stratford, Stratford. Here’s why supporting them matters:

• Money Stays Here: Local businesses put more money back into Stratford than big chains. More money for our schools and roads!
• Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: Small businesses create jobs for our neighbors.
• Stratford’s Identity: Unique shops make our town different. They’re what make us us.
• Personal Touch: Local owners care about their customers in a way you just don’t see at big stores.
• Good for the Planet: Local businesses often use less energy and are more eco-friendly.

Okay, I’m Sold. How Do I Help? Supporting Stratford Businesses All Year Long

So, we know it’s important. Now, what can we do? Here are some simple steps:

1. Choose Local First

Sounds easy, right? But think before you shop. Before going to a chain or buying online, ask: “Can I get this in Stratford?” You’d be surprised! Think gifts, food, home stuff, even services like yard work or taxes.

2. Join Loyalty Programs

Lots of local businesses have loyalty programs, discounts, and deals for regulars. Use them! You save money, and they get your support. It’s a win-win.

3. Go to Community Events

Stratford has great events, like farmers’ markets and fairs. They’re a fun way to find new businesses and support the ones you already love. Plus, they’re a blast!

4. Spread the Word: Reviews and Referrals

Online reviews are HUGE for small businesses. Take a minute to write a good review on Yelp, Google, or Facebook for your favorite places. Tell your friends and family, too! Word-of-mouth is powerful.

5. Give Local Gifts

Birthdays, holidays… they’re all chances to support local. Forget the generic gifts from big stores. Buy cool, handmade stuff or gift cards from Stratford shops and restaurants. A gift from a local artist means so much more.

6. Get Social

Follow your favorite Stratford businesses on social media. Like their posts, share their stuff, and comment. This helps them reach more people.

7. Shop Local Initiatives

Watch for shop local events in town. They often have deals, contests, and fun stuff to get people shopping local.

8. Give Feedback

If you have a bad experience, don’t just give up on a local business. Tell the owner or manager what happened. This gives them a chance to fix things and get better.

The Ripple Effect: A Stronger Stratford for All

Supporting local isn’t just about buying things. It’s about making Stratford a better place. When we shop local, we’re investing in our town’s future. We’re making our economy stronger, keeping Stratford unique, and building community pride.

Try to support Stratford’s local businesses all year long. It doesn’t take much, but it makes a big difference. Let’s make Stratford a place where local businesses thrive and everyone feels like they belong.

Numbers Don’t Lie: The Tangible Impact

It feels good to support local, but there are real economic benefits too. Studies show it:

• More Money Stays Here: For every $100 spent at a local business, about $68 stays in Stratford. Only $43 stays here when you spend it at a chain (Source: American Independent Business Alliance).
• Taxes for Our Town: Local businesses pay taxes that help fund our schools and services.
• Wealth for Everyone: Towns with strong local businesses tend to have less inequality.

The numbers are clear: supporting local is good for Stratford’s economy in the long run.

More Than Just Buying: Other Ways to Support

You can help local businesses even without spending money. Here are some ideas:

• Volunteer: Offer your skills to local businesses. Maybe they need help with marketing, bookkeeping, or something else.
• Mentor: Share your knowledge with people who are starting their own businesses in Stratford.
• Advocate: Support local government policies that help businesses.

Final Thoughts: Make it a Habit

Supporting local shouldn’t be just for Small Business Saturday. It should be a year-round thing. By making smart choices and shopping local every day, we can make Stratford a great place to live for years to come. Let’s show the world how local businesses can help a town thrive and create a strong sense of community.

So, next time you’re about to buy something, remember the impact you can have by choosing local. Let’s support our neighbors, strengthen our community, and make Stratford the best it can be!