Sound Off: Shop local on Small Business Saturday
Published 1:30 am Friday, November 16, 2018
By Betty Freeman
South Whidbey is home to an array of creative small businesses. Celebrate these small businesses and their owners by shopping locally on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 24 and all year long.
“Local business owners are our neighbors. They have the same life you do; kids in local schools, opinions about local issues, contributing to non-profits, paying taxes,” said Inge Morascini, executive director of Langley Chamber of Commerce.
By shopping locally and supporting small businesses, consumers increase the tax base which supports our infrastructure and helps keep local jobs secure.
“If we support local business, then the fiscal health of the community is elevated,” said Morascini. “And money spent locally stays local and we all benefit from that.”
Another plus of shopping locally is reducing one’s carbon footprint, saving on shipping costs and using less fossil fuel. Whidbey Islanders always have to figure in the cost of the ferry every time they go off-island to shop.
Small business owners and their staffs have the time to help you find what you need, unlike the shopping experience in the big box stores.
Since the 1970s, Moonraker Books has been meeting the needs of bibliophiles in Langley. Nancy Wells, long-time Moonraker employee, enjoys having ongoing relationships with local readers and book lovers.
“We’re lucky to have such a literate population on South Whidbey. Locals are our bread and butter,” said Wells.
“Local shops reflect the personalities of the people in the community,” said Morascini. “Shop owners know what their customers are interested in.”
Small businesses also reflect the personalities of their owners. Alexa Allamano, owner of Foamy Wader, makes handcrafted jewelry. Since Small Business Saturday is her birthday this year, she’s having a sale and the discount people receive depends on them asking how old she is.
“They have to ask and I’ll give the same discount as my age,” said Allamano with a smile.
Many small businesses on South Whidbey showcase the work of local artisans and craftspeople, thus supporting the artistic community.
“Small business environments are much more nimble and able to curate and tailor their offerings to the community,” said Morascini. “On South Whidbey, they stock their stores with items unique to the island for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.”
• Betty Freeman is with the Langley Chamber of Commerce.
