This holiday season, rising interest rates and continued inflation are fueling a new level of uncertainty and a recession seems inevitable. Amid rising prices for nearly all goods and services, shoppers face tough decisions about how and where to spend their money.
We usually turn to big box retailers for our holiday shopping and often rule out local businesses when we decide to find something to wrap. However, I have seen firsthand the importance of strengthening and supporting local businesses in our community.
Local Bakersfield businesses are the heart of our economy. They work tirelessly to provide unique services and products and are consistently the first to grow and give back to our community.
By supporting small businesses and shopping local, we help people who put their passion before convenience and believe wholeheartedly in the businesses they run.
That’s why the Greater Bakersfield Chamber is encouraging our community to support our local businesses and all they do to help our community on Small Business Saturday, November 26th.
When we shop local, we help our friends, neighbors and business community thrive, and ultimately, we make an investment toward a better Bakersfield.
As the chamber’s board chair, I’ve heard loud and clear that small businesses need our support more than ever as they continue to navigate, rebuild and move on from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s why now, more than ever, it’s essential to invest our vacation budgets in our local business community.
As a business owner, I could not have succeeded without the support of our local community. Now, during a time of economic uncertainty, it’s an honor to pay it forward by shopping local at small businesses. Together, we can count our purchases.
We need look no further than our local business community to find the perfect holiday gifts for our loved ones. Bakersfield is home to thousands of businesses in a variety of sectors that offer unique products and quality services.
To support and celebrate our member businesses, the chamber is partnering with the Kern Women’s Business Center to reactivate the Shop Local, Buy Now campaign. We are encouraging everyone to shop local this season as a way to help strengthen economic vitality and support our members. You can discover the Chamber’s member businesses by visiting our website at shoplocalshopnow.com.
Starting in December, you can visit the chamber’s website to read stories about local businesses and find special offers. You can also kick off the holiday shopping season on Black Friday at the Towne & Country Christmas Tree Lighting. Check our social media channels to learn more as Small Business Saturday approaches.
