This Thanksgiving, We're Thankful for Small Business Retailers

Gearing up for holiday shopping? Looking to fill those stockings and find the perfect gift for your loved ones? Below you'll find 4 retailers around the country that you should not miss visiting on American Express’s Small Business Saturday.

According to a study by Civics Economics, analysis and strategic planning consultants out of Austin, Texas, 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the community. The same study found that only 46 cents of each dollar spent at big box retailers stayed in local communities.

On November 26, support local communities by shopping at your favorite local retailer and take advantage of a host of promotions surrounding the event. ICIC, over the years, has worked with a lot of excellent firms and we would feel remiss if we didn’t highlight a few must-visits for the holiday season.

• City Feed and Supply– Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts: A stone’s throw from ICIC headquarters in the Jamaica Plain community, City Feed and Supply is a neighborhood grocery store, café, and deli focused on supplying the neighborhood with a fine selection of natural foods
• The South Bend Chocolate Company– South Bend, Indiana: If you’re looking for Christmas gift baskets or specialty chocolate products, visit the South Bend Chocolate company for a unique alternative to generic big-boxes. We've also heard that reindeer LOVE chocolate!
• Sneaker Villa– Reading, Pennsylvania: Time to retire those old sneakers after your Turkey Trot? Here's a specialty retailer of urban-inspired apparel and footwear, they are planning big promotions for the holidays.
• Extreme Pizza– San Francisco, California: Try their innovative, freshly made pies in-store or grab a “take-n-bake” pizza to cook at home and surprise the family. After all, you can't eat turkey leftovers forever!

This holiday season, make a commitment to support local merchants and get more value for your money by shopping small.  And of course, be sure to check back in with us and share your stories about the local small businesses you support.

BY Sathya Vijayakumar on November 23rd, 2011

TAGS: small business | business | jobs | entrepreneur | ic100 | retail