As a nation, we are being told that we are moving into a new age. We have a new President who seems well received. We are all anxious for recovery.

Small business has always been the backbone of the economy.  America was built on small business. Whether it is  an art gallery, a flower shop or a book store, they rely heavily on local sales and the loyalty of their local clientele  to help their business stay open and grow.

  

Here in Spokane, we are more fortunate than other cities due to our medical field orientation.  These businesses help level out  our economy and make a bit more constant than other cities.  However, small individual businesses  are suffering in today's economy. Mom & Pop stores are trying to keep going in such tight times. They must rely on local sales.

When we say shop local to consumers, we do not mean your local Walmart or Macys.  These are  national companies that do not keep the money here in Spokane.  Yes, they do employ Spokanites but when sales slump, the corporation takes care of the decreases, lays people off, and stays open. We are talking about the individual stores that may even be in your neighborhoods.  Coffee shops, shoe stores, beading stores,  each one is someone's dream of their own little piece of the community. Small businesses pride themselves on customer service. They give the personal touch that you rarely receive in  the national chain stores. Many of our local shops and galleries carry hand made unique items made by local people. Again putting the money back into our local economy.

As a community collectively , we have the power to keep our money here where it's needed. If you have $10.00 to spend, spend it in your favorite local shop. Encourage others to do the same. This way small businesses will survive.

Spokane has created a Centers and Corridors plan on our Comprehensive Plan.  This means you work, live, play and shop in your local community therefore keeping the money in your local community.  Small businesses plays an important part in this plan. Small businesses here are going green to help make Spokane a better place to live and raise your children.

 

The next time you are in need of something, seek out a local business.  Supporting local business will help them in turn support the local economy and recover.

Written by Cecile Charles from Gallery of Thum'-159 South Lincoln, Suite 151, Spokane and Susan Davis from Destiny Floral-905 West Garland, Spokane if you need gifts and flowers these two local businesses are here for your shopping needs.