Shop Small Businesses
By Chase
As you head Christmas shopping this year, we know the malls and town centers will look very different. Smaller crowds, social distancing signs, and mask mandates don’t exactly scream Holiday Cheer. COVID has drastically impacted our holiday season, and I’m not just talking about the hand-sanitizer stations and plastic gloves posted at every door. Commercial spaces across the country are emptying. From your favorite mom-and-pop bakery to the trendy boutique in your college town, small businesses are suffering to what seems like no end.
The livelihoods of everyday Americans are in great peril— your neighbor, your friend, your barista, maybe even your family has been impacted by the crippling economic and political circumstances of 2020. While the virus and disastrous economic policies enforced by Governors like Gavin Newsom and Andrew Cuomo, as well as no stimulus bill (halted by Pelosi and crew), are to blame for much of the continued economic suffering, we as consumers and patriots can do our part.
Shopping small is pivotal in stimulating our local economies. Supporting our fellow hard-working Americans during these testing times is as important as washing your hands. While Jeff Bezos’ Amazon empire is growing exponentially, small businesses are doing just the opposite— fighting to stay alive in a climate that seems to be working against them. Websites like Amazon are incredible. A one-stop-shop for everything you could possibly need with free two-day Prime shipping— we get the appeal. However, instead of ordering your nephew a new basketball off Amazon this Christmas, head to your local sporting goods store.
We’re not going to tell anyone how to shop, but the truth of this pandemic is that it has radically changed the retail condition of the United States. If you live in a big city, it may not be as noticeable, but a quick journey to the suburbs and rural areas reveals unparalleled commercial devastation. Restaurants, bars, theaters, stores have all closed. Hopefully, some will come back, but the reality of bankruptcy and a looming credit crunch (the inability to get loans from banks at reasonable rates) means that many of those businesses we know and love won’t return. These businesses are cornerstones of every community and play a critical role in actually holding up other businesses in the area. Shopping locally has a ripple effect and keeps money directly in your community, rather than Jeff Bezos’ pocket.
Amazon found a way to operate, seemingly without major interruption, reporting record profits in July. While according to a Yelp study, 17,503 retailers have permanently closed their doors due to COVID reasons alone. While there is no inherent issue with big-box stores and massive online retailers, the ‘little-guy’ is taking the major hit from COVID regulations. From strict lockdowns, reduced capacities, and mandates for ‘non-essential business,’ there’s a lot keeping small business owners from achieving their American Dream.
Doing our part this Christmas might take a little more effort and a little more money, but the impact on small businesses is well worth it. You never know if your purchase will make or break whether a local store can pay an electric bill or even send their kid back to college. Every day should be “Small-Business Saturday” this Holiday season.
We at The Conservateur hate to see our fellow Americans suffer, catch us shopping small and supporting local businesses this Christmas.
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