I rarely go to South Hills Village. Recently, I discovered that we have DSW and Ulta at the SHV Annex. Who knew? Throughout the year, you will find me either on Washington Road or at Gloria Horn Sewing Studio on Castle Shannon Blvd. I will not pass a lemonade stand without stopping and leaving a tip. What can I say? I support small businesses whenever possible. This Saturday is a big day for small businesses, Shop Small Saturday.
I am happy to report that Eric Milliron, one of the few Mt. Lebanon staffers who is worth his weight in gold, once again arranged free on-street parking all day Saturday on Beverly Road and Washington Road.
This year, celebrate Thanksgiving with your family, take advantage of the Black Friday sales, and most importantly support local businesses on Saturday. I'll see you Saturday.
I refuse to go shopping on Thanksgiving and wish more people would do the same. According to the news reports, I avoided the madness. I spent today, Black Friday, supporting three small businesses and plan to spend a traditional Shop Small Business Saturday in Uptown Mt. Lebanon with my family.
This year, the Mt. Lebanon management decided to allow free parking on Washington Road, something that I have been asking for several years. Take advantage of the free metered parking and support all the wonderful businesses in our community.
During this make it or break it time of the year, newspapers are filled with circulars trying to get your business. At one time, stores opened at 6:00 AM the day after Thanksgiving, known in the biz as Black Friday. This year, larger chain stores will be open on Thanksgiving, forcing employees to work instead of spending time with their families. Cyber Monday is getting a jump start on Sunday. Small businesses don't stand a chance during this cut throat shopping frenzy. That is why I support Shop Small Saturday.
Last year, I encouraged readers to 'Shop Small" here. This year is no different. Mt. Lebanon has vibrant business districts on Beverly Road and Washington Road. They are the lifeblood of our community. Help your neighbors and Shop Small this Saturday, November 24.
Saturday is Shop Small Saturday. Last year was the first year for Shop Small. Black Friday, which seems to have started already, is the biggest day of the year for retailers. The newspapers are filled with Black Friday ads and it is a day that could mean make it or break it for their entire year. We also have Cyber Monday which seems to be getting a jump start on Sundays too. While people are waiting outside at 3:00 AM Friday morning to get that TV or what have you, this is also a very important time for small business owners.
This Saturday, shop at local businesses. They are the lifeblood of our community. Make a pledge to shop at small businesses this Saturday. If we all do it, it will be huge for our neighbors.
Here is a letter to the editor that appeared in a Moultrie, Georgia newspaper. I think it says it all.
MOULTRIE — Dear editor:
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you really need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. This is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
