Did you know that today marks National Mom & Pop Business Owner Day? I am sure many do not. However, I think it is very important to shed light on this very important holiday. Sadly throughout the last few decades many mom and pop shops have begun to close their doors and become a distant memory. With the every growing appearance of big retailers popping up in every town offering the lowest prices for goods and services many small businesses are being forced out of business. That being said this doesn’t have to happen. As consumers, we have the power to change this and for the sake of future generations it is important that we do.This wonderful country that we live in (if you live in the U.S.), was built on the hopes and dreams of those that wanted to obtain the American Dream. The dream of owning a business and being successful, raising a family and being happy, and having the freedom to make your own choices. Many of our ancestors traveled to this country with this in mind. Every town that has was established in the U.S. started with a general store, and in most cases a church. The general stores served many purposes. You would buy your goods, some were post offices and it was a central meeting place.
As people migrated to the U.S. they brought with them skills that had been passed down to them through generations. Blacksmiths, Bakers, Cooks, and others brought their knowledge in the hopes of starting a business to support their family. Now sadly, these businesses are vanishing. You can travel down any road, in any town and see empty store fronts and closed businesses. It breaks my heart because when I see them I think of the day that they opened and the pride that the store owner must have had. To see a dream realized and the beginning of what they believed to be a prosperous future.
Now I am in no way saying that we should stop supporting those big retailers but I am saying that if there is a specialized mom and pop store in your area that offers what you are looking for maybe you should make that a stop on your shopping trip. For instance, many towns have mom and pop cake shops or bakeries. Instead of going to the big retailer why not stop by there and see what they have to offer. I know many times we lose track of time or forget to plan, so we have to run to the big retailer to get the cake for the party. Why not call the mom and pop bakery and see if they have a cake that will work or when you start planning for the party call them to order your cake? I know in this fast paced world we all live in, it can be hard but it isn’t impossible. Not only are cakes and pastries made by hand in mom and pop shops but with love. They can usual accommodate special dietary needs as well. I think personally that the time, effort and dedication put into the products that mom and pop shops offer, are of a much higher quality than those mass-produced ones. Not to mention that local business support other local business and community organizations. This in turn supports local youth programs and benefits all the kids in your community.
So today I challenge you to visit a locally owned business and let them know that you appreciate them. Stop by a flower shop and grab a bouquet to surprise your loved ones. Stop by a bakery and grab some rolls for dinner. Order take-out from your favorite local restaurant. As consumers we have the power to change the future of businesses. I think it is time to use our power to do more good in our local areas and help our neighbors to continue to live the American Dream.
BTW, I’d loved to know: What is your favorite Mom & Pop Business is in your town?
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