Support local by shopping Small Saturday, November 25

The annual Shop Small Saturday for 2023 is November 25. This day supports and recognizes small local businesses and how they are important in our communities.
The day was found in 2010 by American Express. In 2011 the U.S. Small Business Administration became a co-sponsor. According to the 2022 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey consumer spending on that day reached an estimated $17.9 billion.
Shopping small is not limited to retail stores. Dining established are an important component of small communities.
It gives small business the opportunity to keep money local. Cami Smith, owner of The WYOming Scene in Greybull explained in her eyes Shop Small Saturday is a great opportunity to keep local money local. “Your small local businesses are the ones people come to when a child is sick, 4-H, FFA, schools etc. are looking for donations for their events/fundraisers. We help throughout the year. A big box store or an
online store doesn’t do this. We love helping and greatly appreciate when people help us back by shopping with us. This year all my Christmas shopping will be from a small business.”
Leslie Jones who owns Basin Pharmacy, Copper Corner Café and Basin’s Market agrees with Smith. She added that your local small businesses also provide jobs to community members. She and her husband Craig donate to and sponsor many things including the fair, EMT service, food bank and schools.
They also provide services. When they reopened the grocery store in Basin there were many grateful people. Not having to drive to get medication is an important service for some of their customers at the pharmacy.
Melissa Harrington from The Burlington Place said that local support is essential to their business. “The people that have committed to supporting us weekly, biweekly, monthly etc., are the key to our joy and survival. Like those that commit to a pepperoni pizza for family dinner every Friday night.”
She added that businesses in the Bighorn Basin that rely on tourism in the summer months, need locals too.
To encourage shopping on November 25, the Basin Area Chamber will be giving away $50 in Lilac Loot to three people who shop that day at local small businesses. Receipts dated that day need to be turned into the chamber by Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. Be sure to write your name and number on the back of the receipt. There is no limit to number of receipts that may be turned in. The more you shop, the more chance you will win.