Shop Small this Saturday

Not long ago, Thanksgiving was the highlight of November. Now, seemingly being eclipsed by a week of shopping, the commercialization of Christmas has taken over Turkey Month. That’s right, the 12 days of Christmas is now the 28 days of Christmas. I remember when there was only one day of shopping, Black Friday, which began around 7:00 AM Friday morning. Then came cyber Monday, the day of online shopping that took hold after the popularization of e-commerce, debuting about 8 years ago. This year, stores are opening Thanksgiving morning and remaining open over 40 hours straight. This, perhaps, is a solution to combat the insane trampling scenes that took hold of the country in previous years’ Black Friday fiascos. However, it moves me to ponder, what is this society in which a few big Goliaths of corporations are turning the mass hard-working civilians into animals, stampeding a Wal-Mart just so they can afford Christmas presents, or perhaps solely to buy more unnecessary cheap, disposable junk.

Within this Thursday-Monday weekend shopping bonanza, one day actually worth partaking in that exemplifies patriotism is another new, but good, day of shopping, Shop Small Saturday. Although started by American Express as a marketing ploy to get people to shop using their credit cards, the sentiment is valid and encouraged. We need to take the power back from these mega corporations who resemble a minuscule percentage of the population, and instead invigorate our middle class. Our obsession as Americans towards the cheapest deal, while commendable in terms of frugality, is a product of our throwaway culture and the enormous gap in disposable income from the notorious 1% and the rest of us.

Shopping locally means shopping at independently owned stores, whether a mom and pop corner store, or a hip boutique in Northern Liberties. It is incredibly important for communities to support their members through commerce because it encourages fairer business practices. Locally owned businesses also offer better quality products because they are made on a small scale. More care means better ethical treatment of workers in both the manufacturing and retail side of business. Additionally, the more prosperous our businesses are, the more prosperous the community is as a whole.  Local business allow a steady stream of cash flow whereas big corporations stockpile exorbitant amounts of money in inventory and self-interest.

Before going out to begin Christmas shopping, remember this; every time you make a purchase, you are essentially voting for what you like and practices you wish to see continued. When you purchase from big name stores, you are only fueling the rising disparity in income that exists in the US. You are also likely purchasing cheaply made commodities that are meant to be thrown away in the near future, thus creating more physical and monetary waste. Is this the quality of life you want for yourself and for future generations? This weekend, be sure to go out on Saturday and buy from a locally owned business. The unique quality and care that is put into local businesses will be far greater appreciated than another piece of mass manufactured glorified piece of junk.