Shop "Small" on Saturday - Support Local Small Business

Sure you can go to shopping centers and browse online, but if you want to feel a real sense of community, create some nostalgic memories, and have honest person-to-person service, then you'll shop in San Mateo.  On Nov. 30th, "Small Business Saturday" reminds us to support our local businesses.

Our neighborhood shops are still with us, and not only that, they support all the things we find wonderful because they are a critical component, and major contributor to the strength of our economy.  The money you spend with local shopkeepers stays in our community, and helps support important city services and schools.

These merchants often have unique merchandise, offer an old fashioned experience, and need our business to stay in business.  Governor Brown recently noted that 99% of employers in California are small businesses and employ 52% of the state's employees.  And many times, these businesses will employ people who would otherwise be ignored by large corporations.

In addition, my experience working with non profits has been that these businesses are likelier to support community events and schools.  They don't have to contact the "home office" back east, while the organization struggles to complete with thousands of others around the country.  Even if the small business is only able to put a poster up in their window it's an indicator of their solidarity with the community.

This Saturday explore San Mateo and its neighborhood shops, and keep your holiday cheer here!