Pay it forward and Shop Small® this holiday season

ROCKWALL, TX – November 25, 2020 — During a pandemic, there’s no better way to support your community than by shopping local this holiday season!

When your dollars are spent in local shops and retail, that money goes back into the community in many ways. It helps boost community improvement projects, creates jobs within the community, and allows small businesses to give more back to local charities. By shopping local, your business not only gives back to shop owners, but to those in need in your community.

“When you purchase locally, more money is kept in the community, and the economic impact benefits all of Rockwall,” said Bethany Browning, Rockwall Main Street Manager. “Not to mention job creation and investment in community by small business. Many of our small businesses donate more to local charities than non-local owners. Overall, shopping small businesses provides a better customer experience. You’ll find better product expertise and genuine service.”

With the pandemic, small businesses everywhere have taken a huge hit to their financial resources and are struggling to recover after government-mandated shutdowns were ordered in the spring. Shopping small

While the pandemic has many fearing to do their shopping in stores, much of the downtown Rockwall retail are offering ways to get your shopping done safely with online options and curbside pickup. Many of the businesses even provide hand sanitizer and free masks for customers at their doors, so folks can feel more at ease while they enjoy their shopping.

Support Local at Shop Small® Saturday

Downtown Rockwall shops kickstarted the holidays by decking their halls for an Open House event earlier in November where shoppers enjoyed light refreshments, giveaways, swag bags and more as they checked off their Christmas wish list. Now, local retail shops are stocking their shelves with everything you’ll need for your Christmas shopping list in preparation for Shop Small® Saturday on Nov. 28. The annual event marks the perfect opportunity to not only get your holiday shopping done early, but also to show your support for local small businesses and give back to your community during the season of giving.

The Shop Small® Saturday movement was started by American Express in the middle of the 2010 recession. Held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the movement encouraged people to Shop Small® and help boost local small businesses. In 2011, the Senate passed a resolution officially recognizing and supporting the day. All 50 states now participate in Shop Small® Saturday, with business associations, nonprofit trade groups, municipalities and public officials forming a Small Business Saturday Coalition to encourage shopping small. The Rockwall Main Street Advisory Board joined organizations across the country in signing up to serve as Neighborhood Champions, bringing their respective communities together with events and activities on Small Business Saturday^®throughout the year.

“Downtown Rockwall is fortunate and blessed to have received continued support from our community during this tough time,” said Downtown Rockwall Association President Tammy Sharp. “The Christmas tree is going up in the San Jacinto Plaza and Santa’s sleigh will arrive soon! Each merchant has taken necessary precautions that pertain to their place of business to make sure your holiday shopping experience is as special and festive as always. We know you have lots of choices on where to spend your hard-earned dollars and thank you for continuing to make Downtown Rockwall a must-visit during this critical time.”

Stores on the Downtown Square will open at 10 a.m. and will have individual sales and specials. Please check out the Downtown Rockwall Facebook page for additional information.

“Shop local is more than just a catch phrase; it means the world to all of the locally owned business, merchant and restaurants,” Sharp said. “We know you have choices, so please consider keeping your spending local. The downtown merchants have displayed their Christmas inventory earlier than usual to kick off the spirit of the holidays. Share joy this holiday season and support your favorite small businesses!”

Story and photos by Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News.

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