Our view: Shop Elmhurst on Small Business Saturday

We often pass up our local merchants in lieu of national chain stores. Maybe it’s the lure of lower prices.

But how much are you really saving? And who benefits?

Likely, your money is going overseas, or into the pockets of billionaire conglomerate owners. Sure, the sales tax you pay stays local, but the rest of your money, and your patronage, go to support a business with little interest in Elmhurst or DuPage County.

This Saturday, let’s change all that. It is Small Business Saturday, which comes one day after Black Friday, when deal-hungry shoppers flood chain stores for deals that might only save them a couple bucks. Saturday, let’s spend our money in local stores that believe in our local economy.

Some may argue that locally owned shops are more expensive. Maybe they are, but likely not by much. The advantage of local shops is that you are buying from your neighbors, who in turn reinvest your money into your community. And they probably have unique items you won’t find in big-box stores. Some local shops can even personalize gifts or create special orders — something the recipient will appreciate and cherish.

In downtown Elmhurst, there are many one-of-a-kind boutique shops; enough to make for an entire day of shopping. You can find clothes, toys and housewares from smaller vendors with a more carefully selected inventory. And don’t forget about the local restaurants, manned by local residents with a passion for cooking. Our local shop owners work hard to provide excellent customer service and a personalized shopping experience.

So don’t spend your entire holiday gift budget Friday. Make a shopping day out of Saturday. Invite your friends and family and explore the local stores. Treat yourself to a nice lunch at a local café or diner.

Remember, your money will be supporting your neighbors and your local economy, which is quite a gift in and of itself.