Webb Plaza

Webb Plaza is the proud host of many small businesses! The unique atmosphere created by the spirit and passion that is woven into the essence of small businesses is like stepping into a different world. The genuine, dedicated, friendly customer service extended to those within a shared community can be a refreshing haven from the congestion large-chain stores. In addition to desired merchandise, local businesses often host special events, games, raffles and other activities tailored to the community, created with the knowledge and creativity of people who are a part of it. Our very own GI Card Shop hosts Magic the Gathering events that bring the community together.  This is just one example of some of the ways that small businesses cater to the needs of the community. The many benefits to shopping locally, from the unique experience, to environmental merits, and the inevitable empowerment of the community, have been well examined. Here are a few of the many reasons to shop at local small businesses.

Local Economy

One of the most prominent reasons to support small businesses is to encourage the local economy, as shopping locally pours funds back into the community through taxes and paychecks. In many states, the revenue from sales taxes is used to fund local government entities, such as police and fire departments, as well as other responsibilities such as street repairs, infrastructure, public transportation, and trash collection, which contribute to making the community cleaner, easier to navigate, and more aesthetically pleasing. This also attracts more people to the community, leading to more revenue for the small businesses, creating an upward economic cycle and a nicer place to live.

Reduce Carbon Footprint

Shopping at local businesses also helps the environment, as it contributes to reducing carbon footprint and waste from packaging. The leg work of transportation of goods is naturally disrupted when products are purchased locally, as there is no need to ship goods across the country to deliver to the consumer. This decreases the amount of emissions from the planes and trucks that would have been used for transport, and also omits waste from the packaging required to ship those items.

Jobs

Small businesses provide job opportunities, and are an essential contributor to the workforce. They are also able to adapt rapidly to economic shifts, as was witnessed following the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic. Small businesses rebounded from the abrupt loss of jobs by 60% within a few years according to the U.S. Small Business Association. Additionally, local small businesses support job ownership secondarily by buying goods. Put simply, small businesses buy products, such as packaging and manufactured goods, which supports other companies and the jobs opportunities within them.

Customer Service

Small business owners and their employees value customer satisfaction tremendously, and pour their attention and enthusiasm into building rapport with customers. They are also more likely to be well versed in the products they are providing, therefore more capable of meeting the needs of customers with circumstances that change over time. Enthusiasm and neighborly hospitality easily get lost in the shuffle of big-chain stores, and these traits are a unique gem that must be preserved as larger developmental entities take over.

Challenges

Despite these numerous advantages, it can be easy to choose the convenience of online shopping and the promise of being able to find everything you need in one place in big-chain stores. One reason for this is that it can be challenging not only to locate small businesses, but also to find the sought-after products they carry, as many companies lack the resources for substantial advertising. Not all local businesses have the man power to advertise all their products, events, and discounts on social media or on a website, making it harder for interested customers to know they carry a desired product. For business owners who do not already have an sustainable customer base, this can be an issue. In addition, although small businesses generally carry many of the supplies within larger chain stores, the convenience of ordering online can be too tempting for many. This is where social media can step in to help, such as the “Small Businesses of Grand Island, Nebraska” Facebook account, which can help potential customers discover new businesses to explore and support.

Conclusion

Overall, the connections formed between and through small businesses build ties that strengthen the community on many levels, through relationships, economy, knowledge, and loyalty. And in spite of hurdles, small businesses thrive and will keep thriving with steady support from the community.

All this to say, support your local stores! And of course, please stop by Webb Plaza’s own small businesses. If you crave some delicious authentic food from El Jalapenos, a facial for a special occasion from Ayla’s Beauty Bar, a massage at Empower Life Spa, or your furry friend needs a grooming, or you have a need from any of our other stores, Webb Plaza’s businesses are here to serve you! Your support of our small businesses means the world to us, thank you.