Don't Forget To Shop In U-City On Small Business Saturday

UNIVERSITY CITY, MO — The University City Chamber of Commerce recently launched a campaign to encourage residents to spend their money in the local economy this holiday season. "One of our greatest strengths is the number and variety of small, locally-owned businesses across the community," the group said in the city's bimonthly newsletter. "With more than 800 businesses to choose from, residents can find excellent gifts, services and food worthy of loved ones."

A Shop Local discount card was included in the November/December issue of the University City newsletter. Shoppers can use the card to get a 10 percent discount at participating businesses, so check your mail and don't toss it away.

Small businesses create 80 percent of jobs in the United States and 68 percent of money spent at small businesses stays in the local community, compared to just 43 percent of money spend at big box stores and national chains, according to Sustainable Connections, a non-profit that promotes local businesses. In addition, local businesses raise neighborhood property values, reduce environmental impacts, and help build stronger communities.

Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 to provide a counterpoint to Black Friday. Rather than shopping big box stores and online retailers, customers are encouraged to spend their money closer to home and to support small and local businesses.

"Local business owners have deeper product knowledge and are experts that consumers can rely on when shopping," the group said. "A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers guarantees a much broader range of product choices."

These stores and restaurants are participating in the 10 percent off promotion, which is valid through the end of the year:

• A Cut Above the Rest
• American Transportation Company
• Asian Kitchen Korean Cuisine
• Authentic Chinese Herb & Acupuncture
• Bio-Poke Greenwood & Associates LLC
• Clarity Salon and Spa
• Clayton PHotos/1 At A Time Inc.
• Courage 2 Organize
• Craft Alliance
• Family Matters Home Health Care Services
• Global Village Language Center
• GoMusicSTL
• Icons of Art
• Irreco LLC
• KB Studios @ Klippers Barber Salon
• Main Stain Custom Auto Detailing
• Man and Woman's World Salon
• Mirror Mirror Hair Gallery
• Naomi Silver Art
• Norge Village Laundry Center
• OSO
• Plowsharing Crafts
• Recycled Cycles & Service
• Revive Nail Studio
• Rich Tax Services
• RIC Nails & Spa
• Sudora
• Traffic Jams Complete Car Center
• Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt
• Vanishing Point Laser Tattoo Removal

Photo by J. Ryne Danielson/Patch