Skip Navigation
 

Notices

Angel Investor Program Helped Plant Kansas Robotics Company A company that sprouted roots in 2018 in Kansas is using innovation to succeed, with proof in an exciting and significant new private investment. Marvin Investing $76.5M, Creating 600 Jobs in Kansas City, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced today that Marvin, a premium manufacturer of windows and doors, has selected Kansas City, Kansas, as the future home of its latest manufacturing facility. Marvin is investing $76.5 million to build a 400,000-square-foot facility in the Scannell 435 Logistics Center. Governor Kelly Announces H&T Recharge Investing $110M, Creating 180 Jobs as New Panasonic Supplier Governor Laura Kelly today announced that H&T Recharge, one of the largest battery component manufacturers in the world, is investing $110 million and creating 180 new jobs in De Soto. Leading cell manufacturer Panasonic Energy chose H&T Recharge as its strategic supplier for cylindrical battery cans at the new EV battery facility currently under construction. Governor Kelly Announces North America’s Largest Roofing Manufacturer to Invest More than $300M; Create More than 130 Jobs in Newton Governor Laura Kelly announced today that GAF, a Standard Industries company and North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, will invest more than $300 million in Newton by constructing a new shingle plant. The estimated 275,000-square-foot facility will create more than 130 high-skilled manufacturing jobs in management, engineering, and operations. View All

Menu

Business Regions Made in Kansas Our Department Publications Initiatives & Incentives Transparency Database About Us Notices Contact
Back
Back

Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday

Nov 27, 2019

Share this post:

From our team at the Department of Commerce, we wish you all a happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you’ll have an opportunity to gather together with family and friends to share in the joy of the holiday season. We have much to be thankful for in our great state and country.

It’s no secret that the day after Thanksgiving starts another phase of the holiday season, and it’s an important time of year for commercial activity all across our economy. “Black Friday” begins the holiday shopping season, and many across our state will be out on the hunt for the best deals on great gift items. Retail sales in the United States during this weekend are stronger than on any other three-day period of the year.

Another important trend that happened about ten years ago is the recognition of “Small Business Saturday.” Shopping small and shopping local has a lot of benefits, and it supports the community in many ways.

Benefits to Shopping Small and Local

First, shopping local provides the greatest multiplier effect for local communities. Studies that have examined this multiplier effect have shown that “independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales than chain competitors,” according to the American Independent Business Alliance. This means more of your dollars are retained in that community to provide local jobs and support the growth and vitality of the community.

In addition to supporting local jobs, you also support the entrepreneurs who are taking risks to build an independent business and hire folks from right there in the community. The dollars you spend there support local public services and infrastructure, and they are also more likely to go towards supporting community groups—local businesses donate more per sales dollar to local non-profits, events, educational endeavors and recreational opportunities, like sports teams, compared to national chains.

Local retailers can also provide more expertise and personalized service to help you find what you’re looking for or introduce you to something new that you may not have found elsewhere. You can connect with folks from your community and build lasting relationships that result in more options, diversity and outstanding customer service.

And finally, supporting local business can be an investment in the things that keep communities unique and vibrant. Across the state of Kansas, there are some amazing local retailers that provide products and experiences you can only find there. One-of-a-kind businesses enhance the local character and self-image of communities and create a sense of pride for the folks who live there.

What are some of your favorite local businesses in our state? We’d love to hear from you in comments on our Facebook page or replies to my tweet!

So, as you gear up for holiday shopping, be sure to support the local businesses that help Kansas feel more like home.

Ad Astra Per Aspera,

-DT


en_USEnglish