I’m Boycotting Black Friday
Today I am recuperating from yesterday’s high calorie intake gratitude festival, and like the rest of the Madison+Main-iacs, I am not at work. But unlike them, I am working…a little. (After all, I promised you an email every Friday and I keep my promises).
At present, my wife Sue and daughter Hattie are out spending — er, I mean saving — lots of money by buying more stuff. Friends and neighbors are sharing photos on Instagram and Facebook of the BIG SAVINGS. I’ve read them all morning, only stopping to shake my head, sigh, and heat up some leftover green bean casserole.
Pushy people, stampedes, yelling, fighting, hair pulling…and that’s just Walmart.
So I’m boycotting Black Friday.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for getting good stuff at a good price, but when I go shopping tomorrow, I’ll be consciously supporting small businesses on #SmallBusinessSaturday. 98% of all businesses are small — they’re the backbone of the U.S. economy, employing 53% of all Americans. Sure, you may save a few bucks on that widget you bought at the Big Box store, but the shop down the street employs your neighbor, gives money to local charities, and pays taxes here — not in New York or California.
So here is a list of my Small Business Saturday ideas:
(…and yes, these are clients of Madison+Main, so that gives you another reason to support them!)
Sycamore Vet
Sycamore Vet always takes good care of your pet, so why not stop by Saturday and pick up a treat for your pup or kitty? Say hi to Cabell and Taryn when you go.
13217 Midlothian Turnpike
Midlothian, VA 23113
Vera’s Fine Jewelers
Vera’s Fine Jewelers has one-of-kind custom jewelry and top name designers. Stop by and see Mike and Vera, and experience why they’ve been named Best in Richmond by Richmond Magazine 12 years in a row. It’s a small business, but they have more than 3,500 fans on Facebook and they also offer 0% financing on many items this Holiday season.
16701 Midlothian Turnpike
Midlothian, VA 23113
Yard Works
All I want for Christmas is 10 cubic yards of mulch, but they don’t make stockings that big. Perhaps, you need some firewood for the fireplace, or a beautiful premium Christmas tree. Skip the big box stores and visit one of Yard Works‘ Richmond area locations on Saturday. You’ll be glad you did.
Maola Milk
All this shopping for the holidays and you almost forgot the milk, right? Try your neighborhood Food Lion and get some fresh Maola Milk (or maybe their delicious Extra Rich Chocolate Milk). It tastes great, and you’ll feel great knowing you supported local dairy farms.
FC Richmond
Even if you don’t have a kid in FC Richmond‘s soccer program, you probably know one. They’re one central Virginia’s largest youth sports organizations and you can get cool FC Richmond gear right on their website.
The Maid Crew
And why not give the gift of clean? Gift cards from The Maid Crew might be a “neat” idea. (See what I did there?) Sean and his team at locally-owned The Maid Crew sell gift cards through their website.
The Calendar!