Make your Black Friday... PLAID!This year has been an exciting year of "firsts" and "new" things for Stuart, Dwayne and myself, that's for sure! A new business, a new way of thinking, new clients, and new challenges. But for me personally, a new thing has truthfully come to front of my mind without a second thought, buy locally.
Being a Local Business owner, my eyes have been opened to how really important it is to support local businesses. Before, I never really thought of going to a local shop for gifts, or for lunch, or for...well anything. It was too easy to just stop by a "Big Box Store" and get something "cheap", and truthfully, I use the word "cheap" loosely. As I've found, we're often less expensive than "large retailers" on the same exact items.
Something as simple as produce was just a quick trip to Wal-mart or Meijer. But when I experienced the Farmer's Market, I discovered a whole new world of true local celebration. The Farmers Market is a great example of how easy it is to buy locally grown foods, support local farmers and their families, and make a fun experience out of the whole thing!
As Black Friday approaches, and we're all thinking of the excellent "sales" the Big Box/Big Retailers are preparing, don't forget the local retailers who are also sharing in the excitement with discounts, deals, and sales! And this my friend's is what has become known as "PLAID FRIDAY". Actually thought of and celebrated widely in Oakland, California, this day is simply the fun and enjoyable alternative to the big box store "Black Friday," and is designed promote both local and independently owned businesses during the holidays. The actual name Plaid Friday celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent businesses, how we're all weaved together to make our own neighborhoods, cities, and towns. You can share in Plaid Friday by wearing Plaid, and by stopping by a local business. Whether it is our store, or someone elses, please make sure you stop by and let them know that you support them. We're all in this together!
See you Friday...and I'll be wearing my PLAID!