As Thanksgiving concludes, the surge in holiday shopping begins with the notorious Black Friday. It seems as though every radio station, television channel and magazine bombards its audience with advertisements for outlandish sales from every big department store. This, like it or not, has become a part of the American holiday tradition. There is, however, a lesser-known shopping event that occurs the next day: Small Business Saturday, which encourages shoppers to buy from their local mom-and-pop stores and support their communities. In today’s world, when shopping online is easier than ever before, what is the importance of supporting local businesses during the holiday season?

Massachusetts Street is the hub of downtown Lawrence and a central spot for both dining and shopping. The likelihood of running into someone you know is fairly high. “The biggest thing about going downtown is getting out and seeing the town, and usually people when they go downtown [go] to hang out with people and their friends,” says junior Sophia Chindamo, “and you are also supporting the small businesses in your town.” 

There are more people than one probably realizes that are connected to a local business in one way or another via a family member, a friend or a neighbor. 

“Support the small businesses so you can support the families that own the business,” says freshman Gisele French. There are even a handful of Seabury families that own and operate businesses in Lawrence.

“I think the downtown Mass. Street area, with all those local businesses, is kind of what makes Lawrence unique and a different city,” says Chindamo, adding that it is important to go to these local stores and shop to keep them open and make sure that downtown remains a special place.

While online shopping deals and major sales are happening at chain stores around the country, try and make an effort to support local family businesses this holiday season.