@Larry Tetamore Photography
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Shop local and you’ll not only conquer your holiday gift list, but also give back to your community.
Small Business Saturday is about giving back to your community, celebrate on November 26th this year. Supporting small businesses is an intentional act — one that the mom-and-pop shops in your neighborhood need you to make. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, when you spend $100 at a small business, $48 stays in the community. Spend the same $100 at a big-box store or national retailer and only $14 stays. Why? Because local businesses rely on other local businesses.
Small business owners value face-to-face interactions. Odds are that you won’t run into the CEO of a big-box company when you purchase from their store. But when you shop from small, local business owners, you can connect with your community and you will know exactly who you are supporting. Knowing your community members and helping them do what they love creates warmth and belonging for all.
And there are lots of ways to support local. Tell a family member or friend about a small business you love. Get vocal on social — post pictures, tweets, and status updates of yourself shopping. On Small Business Saturday — and every day — support stores in your community. Here are some ways you can support local businesses this year:
Bring something home that makes that “special trip feeling” last just a little longer. With dozens of local boutique shops and independent retailers, it would be hard not to find something that brings back fond memories of your LivCo getaway. Not sure what to buy? Pick up a gift card for the next time you visit. The revenue from these sales is a huge help to small businesses at this critical time. And, it’s a promise that you’ll continue to be a customer later.
Change up your shopping routine this year and support your favorite Genesee River Valley businesses. Our small-town shops are full of handcrafted goods, locally made products, unique art, and highly personal gifts for anyone on your list! Find products made in LivCo, from flavored mustards to local libations to fresh baked goods, shop diverse gifts all season long.
Locally owned restaurants and breweries dot our village’s main streets and country backroads, and you never know what you’ll discover when you dine out during the holidays. From authentic Puerto Rican cuisine to handmade pierogies, you'll get more than a delicious meal in LivCo, you'll also get a connection to the land and to the locals who call this place home.
Makers and artists past and present have left their mark through painting, sculpting, photography, and more. The local makers of LivCo are creating pieces that reflect our region and our communities. When you shop from local makers and creators you are accessing authentic and unique items that you may not be able to find anywhere else. Explore small galleries, gift shops, and vendor markets this winter.
Supporting local businesses also means supporting special events and downtown festivals. When you visit and support LivCo’s downtown events, you breathe life into the area. From holiday celebrations to downtown wine strolls, annual winter events are full of food, festivity, and cheer. Celebrate the holiday season on Main Street with events including the Avon Holiday Spectacular, Winter in the Village in Dansville, and Geneseo ChristmaSing.
Experiencing your region on a whole new level will make you fall in love with it all over again. Whether you're looking for a cozy bed and breakfast or a comfortable hotel room — we have many options. While exploring your backyard, get lost in the aisles of a bookstore, spend the afternoon hunting for hidden treasures at antique stores, and browse the handmade goods of our talented local makers. Don't forget to refuel at one of our local eateries.