OZAUKEE COUNTY — As you shop for a loved one this holiday season, consider supporting people in your own community by patronizing local small businesses.
This week following Black Friday is Small Business Saturday, founded in 2010 by American Express and co-hosted with the U.S. Small Business Association since 2011.
The SBA reports that the estimated spending in the U.S. in 2023 by people who shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday is approximately $17 billion. Since 2010, total small business spending reported on Small Business Saturday in the United States is an estimated $201 billion.
“From local boutiques where locals and visitors can find unique gifts to family-owned candy stores that always support youth sports teams every season, local businesses are the heart of Grafton,” Grafton Chamber of Commerce said Elizabeth Mueller, chamber executive director. commercial. “They offer unique products and services not found anywhere else, and they play an important role in creating jobs and driving growth in our communities.”
Moller said for every dollar spent at local businesses, about 80 cents stays in the community.
Tina Schwantes, executive director of the Mequon-Thienville Chamber of Commerce, said small businesses play an important role in strengthening the local economy.
“Businesses provide job opportunities and tax revenue that goes toward public services to our communities,” she said. “Shopping at local businesses also creates an economic multiplier effect. When spending is done at local businesses, some of the money stays and circulates within the region, further boosting the local economy. We also invest in our communities by supporting local charities and nonprofits through sponsorships and donations. Many volunteer their services, expertise, and talents to help educate and support the cause. We support you.”
Downtown Cedarburg is full of shops to find unique gifts for that special someone. If there were a few such stores, shoppers would not only be supporting the owners, but also the local artists who sell their products there.
Bohemia, a home decor, art and design shop located at W62N587 Washington Avenue in Cedarburg, sells many items from local artists, including pieces from Mequon, Cedarburg, Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay and Wauwatosa.
“I’m an art lover and love being able to support and showcase the work of local artists and offer unique items that can’t be found anywhere else,” said Jenny Kronert, owner of Bohemia. .
Bohemia is home to established artists like Mequon native Lynn Rix, as well as up-and-coming artists who are just starting to stock their shops.
Kronert said artists in her shop typically receive a 60% commission.
For this holiday season, Kronert encouraged shoppers to come check out the seasonal decorations at Makery Maven in Whitefish Bay. Bohemia will hold a pop-up shop with Mequon Permanent Baggage, which sells leather jewelry and handbags, on Saturday, December 7th.
Families with beloved pets can also give special treats and toys at locally owned pet stores like The Feed Bag Pet Supply, 10900 North Port Washington Road in Mequon, owned by Mark Haslam.
Feed Bag Pet Supply has been a local staple in Ozaukee County for over 20 years, providing pets with food, treats, toys, grooming, nutritional supplements and more.
“We always strive to give our dogs, cats and everything else the best nutrition, the best food, toys and treats,” said manager Teresa Scarpace.
Scarpace said the store allows customers to see and touch products and ask employees questions before making a purchase, something they can’t do when buying pets online. Customers can also bring their pets to see which treats and toys they are interested in. Dogs are spoiled with treats on their birthdays.
Pet parents can also purchase sessions as gifts for their dogs at The Feed Bag Pet Supply’s fitness pool, so they can get some exercise even when it’s cold outside.
Feed Bag Pet Supply also donates to local rescue organizations and Family Sharing of Ozaukee County. Also available at locally family-owned From Family Pet Foods (Mequon City).
“We try to help the community,” Scarpace said.
Feed Bag Pet Supply is holding a raffle for customers to win gifts donated by the store’s vendors through this Saturday.
Ace Hardware may be a global company, but many of its stores, like Grafton Ace Hardware (1818 Wisconsin Ave.), are independently owned and operated by locals in the area.
Grafton Ace Hardware was opened in 1951 by Art Lauer. His grandson Paul Callies took over the hardware store in 1999 and runs it with his wife Sue to this day. Caries is no outsider. He was born and raised in Grafton.
Currys said his store offers a smaller, more specific and deeper selection of certain products that some larger stores don’t carry.
“I know they have a grill, but they probably don’t have the seasonings, the sauces, the grilling equipment that goes with it,” Caries said. “They’re not going to have as deep a selection as what we have.”
Karies has developed a loyal clientele over the years.
“They like coming here and they like small stores,” he said. “We strive to provide a personal touch to our customers when it comes to customer service and service.”
For a list and information of local Ozaukee County stores, visit the Cedarburg, Grafton, and Mequon-Thiensville chamber websites.
