Shop small: Area businesses collaborate to help ease struggles

Shop small – two little words that could make a whole lot of impact on local businesses. Business owners from Auburn to Sacramento have collaborated to begin a campaign to help as they struggle through an economy where many are spending their dollars on necessities. "We've been watching other businesses that we felt were doing all the right things close their doors because they weren't thriving," said Christine Ubbink of Zhüsh Modern in Auburn. "We want to spread the word that you have to spend money at the businesses you love or they will close." Save Small Business is a grass-roots, collaborative effort started by a group of small business owners who are passionate about finding resources and support to share and exchange with other struggling business owners. Ubbink shared that many businesses are hanging on by a thread right now, but no one ever wants to admit they aren't doing well. "The reality is that there is a stigma associated with asking for or admitting that you need help," says a press release from the Save Small Business movement. "Many business owners don't want to admit that they are foundering. But we have a less-than-robust economy and sales are down through all retail markets. It's a difficult time to be in business." Ubbink said it's hard for many businesses to know where to focus their efforts when it comes to marketing. Many don't have any money to spend on self-promotion. "It's a gamble many owners cannot afford to make," Ubbink said. Save Small Business has created two free, complimentary spaces with tools such as media to share, resource materials and a place to gather and collaborate. Through Facebook, business owners can share ideas, resources and information. The businesses are using Instagram to focus on sharing the "Save Small Business" messages with the public. Ubbink said the Save Small Business platform isn't about any one business. She said the goal of the program was to create a neutral space where people could feel safe to share their stories and help spread the input across social media platforms, hopefully turning their messaging into dollars spent. The Save Small Business team stated they noticed many businesses reaching out for help over social media, asking for shares and likes. "The problem is that, although all those things are good, 'likes' don't necessarily lead to sales and sales are needed to pay the bills," Save Small Business stated in the press release. "Many businesses are hanging on by the smallest of margins. Too many have already closed for good." Ubbink said for the average small business, if each follower on social media spent $10 a month, they would thrive. Ubbink hopes the message will resonate with people who love shopping small businesses. "This about your favorite shops. How would you feel if they closed?" Ubbink said. "How would you feel if you could make a difference? I hate to say it, but no one can compete if they are going to go head to head with Amazon. You can't compete against them and that's not the goal; it is to provide a service or experience that is unique to the community." She said she hopes people share their stories and messages through this campaign and that it spreads and makes an impact. To learn more, join the Save Local Business Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/1136637204122906 and follow the group on Instagram at @save.small.businesses.