Chamber reminds shoppers to support Small Business Saturday at press conference at Moravian Florist

When small businesses prosper, so do our local communities. According to a recent survey, for every dollar spent at a small business in the United States, approximately 67 cents stays in the local community.

That’s one of the reasons why the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce is encouraging people to shop small this holiday season. To highlight this initiative, the Chamber selected Moravian Florist, a fourth-generation small business, as the site for a press conference last week to remind shoppers to support Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.

Sue and George Kirchhoffer – owners of the New Dorp florist which was opened in 1927 by George’s grandparents – represent a true mom & pop business, and understand the importance of shopping small and investing in the community. Moravian Florist, already decked out with their signature floral arrangements and seasonal decorations, served as a great example of how businesses can showcase holiday offers.

Chamber President and CEO Linda Baran spoke at the press conference about a recent survey from American Express, which revealed that 9 in 10 (91%) consumers believe it is more important than ever to support small businesses this holiday season. Plus, 83% plan to do at least some portion of their holiday shopping at a small, independently-owned retailer or restaurant either in person or online.

Baran also mentioned that, in today’s technology-driven climate, consumers are finding it easier to do their shopping online. However, it’s still important to shop the small businesses in our local neighborhoods to keep them open and help them prosper. Small businesses remain the backbone of the communities since they employ nearly half of the City’s workforce. They provide unique finds, superior customer service, and, typically, give back to the local community.

The Chamber of Commerce also unveiled a “Think Big, Shop Small” commercial featuring Baran as well as Chamber members Casale Jewelers, Williams Eye Works, and the St. George Theatre. The video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlPNR8X9veU&feature=youtu.be

The Chamber of Commerce has once again been tabbed as a Neighborhood Champion and is encouraging its members and all small businesses to get involved with the movement, which takes place annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 

The Chamber is encouraging businesses to take selfies with shoppers as well as take photos of their staff with any Small Business Day signage, and share their photos on social media using #shopsmallstatenisland & #shopsmall. The social media push helps spread the word about small businesses on Staten Island and nationwide.