5 Reasons to #ShopSmall on Nov. 26

Think about your favorite coffee shop, boutique or restaurant. Now imagine Wichita without all of our local businesses that make our city unique. Small Business Saturday, a day when holiday shoppers are encouraged to support local brick-and-mortar businesses, is scheduled for November 26, 2016. K. Lanes is a women's boutique located at 600 S. Tyler. But what exactly are the benefits of shopping small (on the 26^th and everyday)? Here are just a few: 1. Supporting your city When you shop small, you’re also supporting and growing your community. Businesses pay taxes, which in turn fund schools, roads, firefighters, etc. Studies have shown that $68 of every $100 spent at small businesses stays in the community. 2. Impacting the economy More than half of new U.S. jobs created since 1995 have come from small businesses, making small biz the backbone of America. Burnell's Fine Jewelry and Design is located at 550 N. Rock and offers pieces from world-famous designers, as well as custom work. 3. Being WOWed by excellent customer service One of the biggest advantages small businesses have over large retailers is the ability to provide more personable, hands-on, and memorable customer service. You will most likely be helped by the owner, their family or someone vested in the success of the business. 4. Finding unique items Searching for the perfect gifts can be difficult enough without seeing the same products time after time. Small businesses are more likely to offer “Where did you get that?” items not found in departments stores. MODE is a designer denim outlet boutique located at 2431 N. Greenwich. 5. Being part of the American Dream Small-business owners are the embodiment of the American Dream; supporting  them makes you part of the dream, and who wouldn’t want that? Search #ShopSmall on social media to see many more reasons, then add your own!