Supporting Local Independent Businesses - Shop Local
 | Author:
Rachael Elliott-Brug
Rachael Brug: MT43 News Vice President and Copy Editor |
Everyone has heard of Black Friday. The phrase itself dates all the way back to the late 1900s, the first reference to it being the crash of the US gold market in 1869. In relation to holiday shopping, the origins are a little more obscure. In the early 1960s police officers in Philadelphia, PA used it to describe the absolute chaos that took place when shoppers came to town to begin their holiday shopping. In the 80s the phrase had caught on around the country and retailers began to market the day after Thanksgiving as Black Friday the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Stores began building campaigns and aggressively targeting consumers with huge sales and deals good only for one day, making it THE day to shop for the holidays. In 2005 the National Retail Federation coined the term Cyber Monday to label the surge of online sales the Monday after Thanksgiving, which has also gained popularity and sales for the sizeable online stores. This is all good for the big box stores and giant chains, but what about small local independent businesses?
In 2009, Plaid Friday was born in Oakland, CA. The idea behind Plaid Friday is to celebrate the small independent stores. The idea quickly spread across the country in a grassroots movement but has yet to become as widely known as Black Friday. The plaid pattern represents weaving the individual threads of small businesses together to create a strong fabric that celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent local businesses. Plaid Friday is the relaxing and enjoyable alternative to the big box store Black Friday and is designed to promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays. Many small retailers across the country even advertise discounts for those consumers who wear plaid to shop.
In another push to shop small, Small Business Saturday was created in 2011 by American Express, and quickly backed by the Small Business Association. With these two major financial backers, Small Business Saturday has caught on more quickly than Plaid Friday, but carries nearly the same message; support small local businesses during the holiday season.
So when you are out shopping this holiday season, and every season, remember to support the local businesses that support our community.
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PhotoCredit: Rachael Elliott-Brug
Image 1 Caption: Townsend in Plaid
