Shop small this season and get more from your holiday list

BY JIM BROWN To some, holiday shopping can be a bit overwhelming. Long lines and packed parking lots at the big retailers aren’t for everyone. There’s another way: Shop small. Small Business Saturday is Nov. 28, two days after Thanksgiving. It’s a great chance to visit a local shop, grab a meal at a hometown restaurant and check a few names off your list. As Tennessee state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, I hear from owners across the state. Many have poured their savings and long hours into their businesses. They know they earn people’s trust with quality products, fair prices and good service. That works in your favor. At a small shop, you’re more likely to find one-of-a-kind gifts. A local store might carry handmade candles, artwork or jams and jellies from family recipes. Gifts like these stand out under the tree, and many come with a story you can share. You also get help from people who know what they’re selling.

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