In honor of National Mom and Pop Shop Day tomorrow, March 29th, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate these important businesses and talk about how we can support them.

This day is set aside to celebrate all of the small businesses that make our towns and neighborhoods thrive. From local restaurants to hardware stores, mom-and-pop shops are the heart of our communities. 

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 44% of economic activity in the United States in 2019, and they create two-thirds of all new jobs.

Show your support on Mom and Pop Shop Day by shopping local! You'll be helping to keep these businesses alive, and who knows, you might just find a new favorite spot in your neighborhood. 

What Is A Mom-and-Pop Shop?

A mom-and-pop shop is a small business that is usually independently owned and operated. These businesses are often family-run, and they are an important part of the fabric of our communities. Mom-and-pop shops offer a personal touch that you can't find at a big box store.

Examples of mom-and-pop shops include:

• Local restaurants
• Bakeries
• Coffee shops
• Grocery stores
• Hardware stores

How We Can Support Mom-and-Pop Businesses?

There are many ways to support mom-and-pop businesses, but one of the best ways is simply to shop there. When you buy from a mom-and-pop shop, you are helping to keep that business alive. You are also supporting the local economy, which is good for everyone. Here are some other ways to support mom and pop businesses:

Leave a positive review on Google or Yelp - When you leave a positive review on Google or Yelp, you help mom-and-pop businesses in two ways. First, you improve their online visibility, which can attract new customers. Second, you provide valuable feedback that business owners can use to improve their products or services. In other words, your reviews can help mom-and-pop businesses thrive!

Share your favorite mom and pop shops on social media - Use the power of social media to spread the word about great mom-and-pop businesses! When you share your favorite shops on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, you help them reach new customers. And who knows--maybe your friends will become customers, too!

Patronize a mom-and-pop shop today - The best way to support mom-and-pop businesses is to patronize them--that is, to shop there regularly and spend money at their establishments. By becoming a regular customer, you show your support for what they do. Plus, you'll get to know the owners and staff better, which can make for a more enjoyable shopping experience overall.

Tell your friends and family about your favorite mom-and-pop shops - Word of mouth is still the best form of advertising, so tell your friends and family about the great mom-and-pop businesses you know! If they're looking for a particular product or service, give them some recommendations. They'll be sure to appreciate it! 

Make an effort to visit mom-and-pop shops in other cities or towns - When you travel, make an effort to patronize mom-and-pop businesses in other cities or towns. Not only will you be supporting the local economy, but you'll also get a taste of the unique culture and history of the place you're visiting. It's a win-win!

Give mom and pop shops as gifts to your friends and family - One great way to support mom-and-pop businesses is by giving their products or services as gifts to your friends and family. This helps promote the business while showing your loved ones that you care about them. 

Why Shop at Mom-and-Pop Businesses?

Here are five reasons to shop at mom-and-pop businesses:

They offer unique products and services - When you shop at a mom-and-pop business, you can find products and services that you won't find at large chain stores. For example, many small businesses offer handmade items or specialize in hard-to-find items.

They provide personal attention and customer service - At mom-and-pop businesses, the owners are usually on-site, and they take the time to get to know their customers. This personal attention often results in better customer service. When you have a problem or question, you can talk to the owner directly, rather than having to go through multiple customer service channels.

They are active in the community - Many small businesses are actively involved in their communities. They may sponsor local events, donate to charities, or provide other forms of support. When you shop at a mom-and-pop business, you know that your money is going back into the community.

They create jobs and boost the economy - Small businesses are a major source of job creation in the United States. In fact, according to the Small Business Administration, small businesses create about two out of every three new jobs in the country. By shopping at a mom-and-pop business, you are helping to create and sustain jobs in your community.

They offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience - Mom-and-pop shops offer a more personal shopping experience. The staff is usually knowledgeable and passionate about their products, and they can help you find just what you're looking for. You also get the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting a local business owner.

They add character to your community - Small businesses often give a community its unique flavor. They may be family-run businesses that have been passed down for generations, or they may be new businesses started by entrepreneurs with fresh ideas. Either way, mom-and-pop businesses add character and charm to the place they are part of. 

Conclusion

So next time you need something, think about going to your local mom-and-pop shop first! Not only will you find great products and services, but you'll also be supporting your community.

In a time when big-box stores and online shopping seem to be taking over, it's nice to take a step back and appreciate the mom-and-pop shops that are still around.

These businesses are often run by families who have a personal connection to their customers and the community they serve. They offer a sense of character and community that can't be found in big box stores. Today, take some time to visit your local mom and pop shop and show them some love!