As the holiday season begins and the Christmas spirit sets in, the frenzy of Black Friday often dominates conversations. But for me, the real magic of this time of year happens the day after—Small Business Saturday.

It’s a day that embodies community, connection and the very essence of what makes the Town of Lexington such a special place to call home.

Small Business Saturday isn’t just about shopping. It’s about celebrating the local entrepreneurs and dreamers who invest their time, talents and treasures to make our Town vibrant.

These businesses—whether they’re family-owned boutiques, bustling coffee shops, beloved restaurants or specialty gift stores—are more than economic contributors. They are the backbone of our Town, employing our neighbors, supporting our schools and enhancing our quality of life.

Since joining Lexington Town Council just over a year ago, I’ve made it a personal mission of mine to collaborate closely with fellow members of Council and our Town staff to make even better the environment for opening or owning a small business in the Town of Lexington.

This year, among many other things we have to be proud of, I’m particularly proud of the strides we’ve made to promote and support our local businesses.

One instance is our Shop Local, Dine Local campaign, which we launched in 2023, celebrating the remarkable diversity of businesses in our community.

While last year’s campaign focused on the days leading up to Black Friday, this year, our staff expanded it to begin earlier and it will now extend well beyond Small Business Saturday. By featuring businesses across sectors—from retail to dining and more—it’s our goal to inspire residents to explore and support Lexington’s many unique offerings throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Shopping local isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a vital investment in our community. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, for every dollar spent at a local business, 67 cents stays in the community, circulating through other local establishments, funding jobs and contributing to the services we all rely on.

For example, in fiscal year 2023, revenue from business licenses contributed nearly $6.5 million to our town’s general fund, helping to fund essential services like our police department. Without the success of local businesses, these services could face serious challenges.

But beyond the dollars and cents, local businesses foster a sense of community. When you walk into a small business, you’re often greeted by the owner or a team member who genuinely cares about your experience. The service feels personal, the products are unique and the relationships built create a deeper sense of belonging. These are the experiences that chain stores or online retailers simply can’t replicate.

In addition to the Shop Local, Dine Local campaign, I’m particularly proud of the Small Business Advisory Committee, which the Council established and launched this year. This committee, composed of local business leaders, serves as a bridge between the business community and town leadership.

It provides a platform for open dialogue, where business owners can share their challenges and ideas while helping us identify ways to make Lexington even more business-friendly. This collaboration ensures that as we grow, we maintain a thriving small business ecosystem that benefits everyone in our town.

Small businesses do so much more than sell products or services. They fund our children’s sports teams, support local nonprofits and sponsor events that bring us together. They’re often the first to step up in times of need – which we saw recently during Hurricane Helene – and they play a crucial role in creating the community we cherish.

Yet, as much as they give to us, they rely on us to sustain them—especially during the holiday season.

It’s estimated that 80% of small business owners rely on year-end spending to achieve their financial goals, making community support during the holiday season crucial. By choosing to shop local, we can help ensure these businesses not only survive but thrive.

For those who enjoy the convenience of online shopping, many local businesses offer websites and delivery options, making it easy to support them from home.

This Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season, consider starting your day with a warm cup of coffee and a treat from one of our local bakeries or cafés. Spend time exploring Lexington’s unique shops, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts that big-box stores simply can’t offer.

Make it even more memorable by enjoying lunch or dinner at one of our fantastic local restaurants. Share your experiences on social media, tagging local businesses and using hashtags like #ShopLocal and #DineLocal to encourage others to join in supporting our community.

Every effort counts in making a meaningful difference for our Town’s small businesses.

The reality is this: small businesses are the glue that holds Lexington together, and when we support them, we’re supporting our friends, neighbors and the future of our community.

Small Business Saturday may officially take place on Nov. 30 this year, but the spirit of shopping local should extend throughout the season and all year long.

So, after you’ve savored your Thanksgiving leftovers and braved the chaos of Black Friday, take a moment to slow down and embrace the charm of Small Business Saturday. Let’s show our local businesses how much they mean to us by making this holiday season one to remember.

Together, we can ensure that Lexington remains not just a town, but a community—a place where small businesses thrive, neighbors support one another and the holiday spirit lasts all year long.