Shop SMALL: How You Can Strengthen Your Community This  Shopping Season

Shopping small might seem like an incidental choice, but its impact can be huge. Arizona’s small businesses are the backbone of local economies across the state. And supporting these small businesses is not only a choice — it’s a commitment to creating a stronger, more vibrant community. 

As your customers prepare for the season of endless shopping lists & gifts galore, we want to empower you to help your community make shopping decisions that support your business. Share this blog on social media, or use the information in it for your own marketing this holiday season. But here’s what happens when shoppers skip the retail giants and shop small instead.

Money spent in small businesses stays local.

For every $100 spent at a local business, $68-73 goes back into the local community compared to only $43 of every $100 spent at non-local businesses. On top of that, the taxes paid by local businesses support schools, our parks and public lands, roads, and local programs that help job growth and stability in Arizona.

Also, when it comes to local issues, local businesses have a big say in what to prioritize. That’s why business voices like our member’s are so critical to a thriving Arizona economy. Their voices can greatly impact local issues like investments in our public lands and efforts to increase access to them.

Small businesses are essential job creators. 

44% of all U.S. economic activity comes from small businesses, according to a 2019 Small Business Association report. Of the new jobs created between 1995 and 2020, small businesses accounted for 62% — or 12.7 million jobs compared to 7.9 million jobs from large enterprises. And in Arizona alone, small businesses employ 1.1 million people — or 43.5% of all employees in the state.

Take a look at the jobs created by Arizona’s outdoor recreation industry — an industry that generates more than 100,000 jobs across the state. That’s 3.3% of the state’s employment! Even more impressive, Arizonans depend on jobs in the outdoor recreation sector more than our aerospace, defense and tech sectors combined.

When you support our small businesses, you help generate employment opportunities in your community. These businesses hire locally, which, in turn, strengthens the local economy. By shopping small, you contribute to reducing unemployment rates and nurture economic stability.

Small businesses are deeply rooted in their communities.

When you support small businesses, you're investing in the relationships that make your community special. Local shop owners get to know their customers, fostering a sense of belonging and trust. These connections often lead to a strong sense of community and can even result in lifelong friendships.

Plus, your local businesses have local knowledge so they know all about the best trails, fishing spots, campgrounds, and more! When you shop small, you're not only getting a product, you're getting the intel about how and where to use it.

Small businesses build economic resiliency.

Small businesses play a crucial role in diversifying the local economy. They often adapt to changing market conditions more quickly than larger corporations. During economic downturns or crises, small businesses are often the ones that remain resilient, helping to stabilize the community during tough times. Nearly 90% of small business owners said their business is prepared to survive a possible economic crisis – compared to less than half of executives who say their organization is resilient.

As big manufacturing and mining industries have declined in Arizona and across the U.S., an over reliance on these industries has left unstable economies in their wake. But local businesses create sustainable jobs that are anchors for gateway communities around our public lands. They support Arizona’s $9.8 billion outdoor recreation industry and more than 100,00 jobs across the state. Our small businesses have always been there for our communities.

Small businesses give back.

Studies show that non-profits receive as much as 350% more funds from local businesses than national businesses. That local giving supports local issues and charities in communities across Arizona. And because 63% of Arizonans consider themselves to be conservationists, that kind of public and business support makes all the difference for how we care for our public lands in Arizona.

Small businesses are unique.

Small businesses often specialize in unique, handcrafted, or locally-sourced products. Whether it's an adventure-ready cooler from Canyon Coolers, a tasty 6-pack from Grand Canyon Brewing, or clothing and gifts from Basin and Range Creative, shopping small offers a chance to discover one-of-a-kind items you won't find in larger retail chains. These unique products not only reflect the individuality of the business, but also your own style.

And talk about unique businesses — GO AZ member Rattlesnake Solutions provides highly tailored services for conservation-first rattlesnake removal. Or, how about Aravaipa Running, who organizes trail races across Arizona and sells swag you’d be proud to wear, and Colter Backcountry, who designs minimalist and lightweight gear for the modern-day backcountry angler.

Your small-business purchase makes an impact.

Supporting small businesses provides a magnitude of benefits that extend beyond your shopping bag. It's an investment in your community and in our public lands.

As the holiday season approaches, choose to shop small and support the businesses that support our public lands. Not sure where to start with your community investment? Try our member gift guide, or browse our GO AZ coalition members for more shopping inspiration.

Small Business Saturday is right around the corner, and whether you’re buying for your road-trip loving significant other or your business-owning brother, there’s something for everyone!