Shop early and shop within the community! Small businesses are a major piece for our growing community. During the holiday season and all year ’round, it’s important to support them and the individuals that make Tompkins County the thriving region it is. Tompkins Chamber encourages you to shop early, shop small and support the community. Here are four tips to support businesses this holiday season.
- Browse the Tompkins Chamber member directory to find small business in the Tompkins region.
Our directory shares over 700 members of all sizes and plenty of small business to support. Search our member directory or browse by industry to find a small business in our community that you can buy form to support local, small business.
- Bring your friends and family.
Everyone has holiday shopping to do, so invite family and friends to tag along and explore locally. Gathering some people to join you for a local shopping experience is a way to increase your economic impact and influence positive experiences for all involved. In addition, by keeping your money local – this means your local government receives more tax revenue, resulting in supporting community concerns like education needs, transportation enhancements, and emergency services. So, schedule some time to visit a few local businesses and be sure to unwind at a local restaurant or bar after you shop!
- Spread the word.
A simple yet effective method! The success of any business greatly depends on positive reviews. Consider sharing some appreciative comments about your favorite local business on relevant review platforms – especially Google and Facebook. Additionally, mention and tag a small business in your social media post; it could inspire others to explore their offerings during this festive season.
- Express your approval through likes and reactions: Demonstrate your appreciation by engaging with the content posted by small businesses.
- Initiate conversations with comments: Spark discussions and inquire about products or services to display interest and assist potential customers in gaining insights into the business.
- Include mentions and tags: Identify and tag friends who could find the business offerings interesting, expanding its visibility within your network.
- Share content on social media: Amplify awareness by sharing small businesses’ content on your profile or stories, reaching a broader audience among your followers.
- Demonstrate Your Local Pride.
Are you still in need of gifts for relatives who live out of town? Explore the option of gifting them with a basket containing locally crafted sweet treats, home essentials and even tickets to a local event for a unique experience. Consider adding a personal touch with note cards featuring designs by a local artist or even a ticket to a show at a nearby venue. This special touch this season may have relatives come visit other seasons more to explore more that Tompkins has to offer.
Tompkins Chamber encourages you to connect locally and shop early this holiday season! Explore all there is to offer and engage with local businesses ready to share the joy. From us to you, we wish you a happy holiday.