Canadian’s small businesses are inviting the community to join them on today, Nov. 27, for Shop Small Saturday, and to spend their dollars here at home this Christmas season.

Local merchants participating in Shop Small Saturday include Bartlett’s Lumber and Hardware, Brown Bag Roasters, Canadian Animal Health and Nutrition, Canadian Medic Pharmacy and Gifts, The Citadelle, The Flower Shop, Katy’s Quilt Box, NAPA Motor Parts of Canadian, The Peppermint Tree and The Branch, Perla’s Flowers and Gifts, and The Store. Visit these businesses for in-store specials, prize drawings, and holiday treats.

The concept for Shop Small Saturday originated with American Express in the midst of the recession of 2010. Their goal was to creative a nationwide initiative encouraging holiday shoppers to support their local merchants. Shop Small is based on the belief that small, independently-owned businesses are at the very core of every thriving community.

“Small Business Saturday is a great idea and one that the Chamber supports and advertises,” said Chamber Event Director Jackie McPherson. “Several of our local businesses have said it’s one of their best days all year.”

The annual Shop Small Saturday event encourages residents to shop locally on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season. These small businesses fuel the economic engine that has built thriving rural communities throughout America.

“Small Business Saturday is a special day for our community,” said Chamber board member Michelle Schaef. “It is such a joy and blessing to see friends and family spending time together while shopping at friends and neighbor’s businesses. Our hometown businesses have so much extra to offer, whether it is helping with that special gift, free gift-wrap, or a cookie and a hug.”

“Christmas is a time to bring people together, and that is exactly what SBS accomplishes,” Schaef said. “We have all watched our local businesses support special projects, especially concerning our youth, all year. This is our day to show them how much we appreciate their continued support.”

Shopping small not only keeps these businesses’ doors open, it enables the community they serve to flourish, as well. For every dollar spent in hometown businesses, 67 cents stays and recirculates in the local economy.

It is important to remember now, and throughout the year, that small businesses— unlike Amazon and the big-box stores—support local schools, hospitals and law enforcement, charitable and nonprofit organizations, and community events. These shopping dollars, spent here at home, also help grow a strong local tax base, which is so essential to a community’s health and well-being.

“I want our local community to also recognize that one day is not the only time to focus on shopping locally,” McPherson said. “Our local businesses need our support every day, every season, and all year long. They are here for our community every day, every season, and all year long.”

“These businesses not only want your business, they need your business to keep their doors open,” she added. “Our local businesses have been here for us, now it is our turn to be there for them...today, tomorrow, and beyond.”

“I think the need and value of small businesses shined through COVID,” said Chamber board member Sarah Rader. “When Canadian was on lockdown and had limited travel to Amarillo or our normal “big city” places, who did we rely on? Our small businesses.”

“Things would have looked even bleaker had our restaurants not had their drive-ups, or had we not been able to go to Bartlett’s, Lowe’s, and other stores for the items we needed,” she said. “They did an awesome job of keeping shelves filled, doors open, and employees paid.”

“I, as a community member, was reminded why I choose to shop local,” Sarah added, “because our small businesses help provide the type of quality of life I can’t get in a big city.”