On the Saturday after Thanksgiving we invite you take part in an exciting movement, with big economic impact, that celebrates small business. People from all over the country will collectively #shoplocal and #shopsmall in observance of Small Business Saturday, held November 29th. We encourage you to get involved in this event as it allows us all, on an individual level, to show our support for the shops in our neighborhood. We also want to see you create a buzz on social media promoting your participation.

Let’s think about the economic impact of shopping small with an example: a coffee enthusiast opens a coffee shop, thereby turning a dream into a reality. This enthusiast, now a business owner, hires locals to help operate the shop. With the extra help, the coffee shop begins to take off. People in the community now have a “favorite spot” they can go to for seeing friends, working on projects, or just grabbing some good espresso. Also, more sales could mean more in local taxes, which would fund things like better community sidewalks, roads, and parks. The coffee shop is just one example of how shopping small supports a community. Founded by American Express in 2010, this single day has grown into a powerful movement across the country with more people taking part every year.

If you’re interested in joining this community effort, we encourage you to start early at Lewisburg’s Holiday Open House, set for the Sunday the 23rd. This will give you some time to relax before the relatives roll-in to to town for Thanksgiving. The event starts at noon so come into downtown a little early to pick up a Chai Pumpkin Latte or Caramel Apple Cider from the Wild Bean. From noon till 5pm, there will be carriage rides, cookies and milk with Santa, in-store refreshments, live music, and other seasonal activities. You may even catch a glimpse of Santa walking the streets. While you’re walking around, take a lunch break at Food & Friends. And don’t worry about dinner as we suggest take home a gourmet pizza from Greenbrier Valley Baking Company (GVBC). If you can stop in town the night before Holiday Open House, you’ll also get to see the Christmas Tree lighting at the Greenspace, 6pm.

Beginning a couple days before Lewisburg Holiday Open House is the 3rd Annual KRISKINDLMARKT From Friday the 21st to Saturday, you’ll have a great opportunity to #shopsmall at this event held in The Mill in Clifton Forge, VA. This is a German-style outdoor Christmas market with small vendors. You will find hand-made items, appropriate for the season, that are wearable, edible, decorative, and useful! The Mill, which is a reclaimed lumber mill, is located below the Clifton Forge School of Arts. See KRISKINDLMARKT hours in LBSPY Agenda.

So where will you #shopsmall this holiday season? Make a statement on social media with: “I will #shopsmall for __________ (favorite things) at ___________ (favorite business) to support my community.” Also, create extra buzz by tagging LBSPY in your photos. We want all the feels when we see your cool finds!

– LBSPY 59. November 2014.