Give the Gift of Shopping Local this Holiday Season

At Grand Savings Bank, supporting local businesses helps keep us engaged with our community, without whom we wouldn’t have all that we do. With the end of the year fast approaching, we’re here to remind you to shop local this holiday season.  

It’s important to check out your local shops before clicking that “Add to Cart” button online. What better way to show a small business support than with your hard-earned cash? Plus, there are a few other less obvious––but equally important!––ways you can support local businesses this holiday season. 

Post a Review on Google or Yelp

It may not feel like much, but leaving positive reviews for your favorite small business helps them out tremendously. Not only does it bring a smile to their faces, but it improves the business’s online reputation. It also increases the store’s ranking on Google, making it more visible to potential customers. Plus, research has shown that consumers are more likely to buy from a store with strong online reviews. Essentially, you are providing local businesses with online promotion when you leave a positive review!

Engage on Social Media

Just like reviews, engaging with your favorite businesses on social media can help strengthen their credibility. Your social connections may be more inclined to check out the shop if they see your positive engagement. Tag the business when you post a pic of your new purchase or share sale announcements. Make it fun, merry and bright!

Try Experiences Instead of Goods

When giving gifts, experiences can be a break from the usual socks or bubble bath habit. Has your brother always wanted to try out that local restaurant? Has your mom mentioned wanting to go to a painting class? Maybe your wife’s favorite artist is coming to a local venue soon. The best part of experience gifts is that you can support local businesses with the extra gift of some quality time with your loved ones. 

Give Local, Too

It’s a big time for shopping, but it’s also a big time for charitable giving. There are countless local non-profit organizations whose missions directly impact our communities. And if you don’t have extra dollars but do have extra hours, volunteer your time instead!