Shop local drive continues beyond Small Business Saturday
Local business groups are urging Long Islanders to shop local through the holiday season and beyond, to help businesses struggling with the pandemic.
Shoppers were expected to descend upon downtowns and business districts throughout the area for the annual Small Business Saturday campaign this weekend.
Many towns and villages have launched special promotions, including free parking, savings coupons from business improvement districts, and events such as Nassau County’s Scavenger Hunt, which runs through Friday, Dec. 4.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, children will have an opportunity to take photos with Santa (behind plexiglass protection) in Glen Cove’s Village Square.
In Patchogue, from Nov. 28 through Dec. 23, the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce presents Elf’n Around Patchogue, featuring a male and female Elf on a Shelf placed in different locations and a special Holiday Deal of the Day.
The Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Snowman Hunt, beginning on Small Business Saturday and ending on December 31.
The Westbury BID is offering BID dollars that can be used at participating businesses in the Village of Westbury from Nov. 27 through Dec. 31.
“Our earlier surveys showed us that 8% of business may close and we have 52,000 people in retail who lost their job this year,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “By just shopping locally is an important way to keep people employed and support our local businesses. For every dollar spent shopping in Long Island businesses .67 cents stays in the community.”
Though the shop local initiative is always important, business leaders say it is especially crucial this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced many businesses to change the way they operate and has reduced opportunities for in-person events.
“It is now more important than ever to support our local downtown businesses in every way possible; not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin. “They are more than just businesses. They are our families, friends and neighbors who often give tirelessly to our communities and it is now time to give back to them.”
