(St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana): Have you ever considered the economic implications of purchasing just three holiday gifts from a locally owned establishment? The tax dollars generated, support of local business owners, and contributions to the unique assets within a neighborhood makes a community thrive. Small Business Saturday is taking place this weekend on Saturday, November 26, 2016 as a national initiative to support locally owned businesses across the United States.
Small Business Saturday began in 2010 to celebrate the Shop Small movement and drive shoppers to purchase from local merchants.
St. Bernard Parish is home to the highest percentage of locally owned and family operated businesses in the Greater New Orleans region. St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) Executive Director, Andrew Jacques, believes the benefits of supporting local commerce is important to economic growth in the parish
“When you opt to shop local, you are choosing to support local jobs, celebrating the local fabric of the community, and ultimately retaining more money in the local economy,” said Jacques.
Several retail stores will be open on Small Business Saturday including Old Arabi Marketplace, Gypsy Soul Sisters Art Market, All About Me, Studio Inferno, Local Flair, The Cottage Store, and Aniston Lane Boutique.
“The small business shopper is why I unlock my door each day,” explained Wendy. “The holidays are my favorite time of the year. I look forward to helping my costumers find the perfect gift for loved ones.”
SBEDF also reminds residents and visitors they can also support other small businesses including restaurants, professional service providers, and pharmacies, not only during the holiday season, but all year long.
“A purchase made at any locally owned business is an investment back into the community; it helps neighbors pay their home mortgage and provide for their families,” explained Jacques.
Wendy Haines is preparing her shop located on St. Claude for the holiday season with an assortment of handmade items.
About St. Bernard Parish Retail Stores (listed above)
St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) is highlighting local businesses to visit this holiday season on their website at the link below:
http://www.sbedf.org/about-edf/announcements/sbedf-highlights-local-businesses-visit-holiday-season
About St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation
St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 to retain and create jobs, build prosperity, and improve the quality of life in St. Bernard Parish. The Board of Directors consist of 28 voting members and 8 non-voting honorary members and public officials, all of which serve as volunteers to the organization. SBEDF’s work is made possible through the general support of its investors, St. Bernard Parish Government, St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District, the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation, Cox Communications, Chalmette Refining, and Valero at the Impact Champion Level, the Law Offices of Sidney Torres, III and Associated Terminals at the Pillars Level, and Palmisano Group and Meyer Engineers at the Community Leaders Level.
About Small Business Saturday
First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. November 27, 2010 was the first ever Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is the day we celebrate the Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S. More than 200 organizations have already joined American Express OPEN, the company’s small business unit, in declaring the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday
For more information: www.smallbusinesssaturday.com
