Small Biz Saturday: Reasons to shop local

A whopping 82 percent of U.S. consumers plan to shop or eat at an independently owned store or restaurant on Small Business Saturday, according to the American Express Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey. Here's 10 reasons to love shopping local:

1. You'll have fun. Skip the early-morning pushing and shoving in a crowd. Sleep in, meet for breakfast at a local, independent cafe, then go shopping in small stores.

RELATED: Des Moines Register Gift Guide

2. You support schools, police and fire departments. When you shop small, the bulk of the money you spend and most of your taxes stay local - helping schools, paving streets, keeping you safe. According to the research firm Civic Economics, for every $100 you spend:

* In a local small business, $68 stays in your community.

* At a local branch of a chain store, $43 remains.

* Online, virtually no money stays local.

3. You get money back. If you're an American Express cardholder, register your card in advance. Then shop in one of the many listed independent stores and restaurants on the American Express 'Shop Small' map - and get up to three $10 statement credits. Register at www.ShopSmall.com.

4. You can find great books and meet your favorite authors. Support from the country's most popular writers has helped make this the busiest day of the year for many independent bookstores. Across the country, authors will be volunteering in bookstores signing books, giving recommendations, and even ringing up sales at the cash register.

In Des Moines, the following authors will take turns as booksellers during the day at Beaverdale Books, 2629 Beaver Ave.:

* Miyoko Hikiji at 10 a.m.

* Wendy Delsol and Jill Hathaway at 11 a.m.

* Linda Mason Hunter and Kali Van Baale at noon

* Rebecca Janni, Jan Blazanin and Sharelle Moranville at 1 p.m.

* Sparkle Abbey at 3 p.m.

* Mary Kay Shanley and Debra Landwehr Engle at 4 p.m.

Beaverdale Books will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

5. You'll raise your property values. Lively, vibrant neighborhood shopping streets are considered an advantage when selling a home. They make your property more valuable.

Stop by Ephemera in the East Village during Small Business Saturday to find eclectic gifts, including candles and stationery.(Photo: Zach Boyden-Holmes/Juice)

6. You'll strengthen your community. Local businesses are owned by people who live in your town, go to your church or synagogue, donate to local animal shelters, coach Little League teams. When you spend money in their stores and cafes, you support your neighbors.

7. You'll get amazing toys. Walk into a toy superstore, and you'll find aisles of pink and blue plastic that'll end up at Goodwill by spring. Instead, at an independent toy store, you'll find toys that will spark kids' imaginations, help them learn and be a lot of fun.

8. You'll create jobs. Local businesses create local jobs. Often, these are jobs that pay better than those at chain stores.

9. You'll find 'where did you get that?' jewelry. Whether treating yourself or others, shop small gift stores, boutiques and jewelry stores to find unique accessories that will stop others in their tracks.

10. You'll get pampered. The best gift is often an experience - a spa day, golf lesson, cooking class. Check your local independent businesses for great services to give as gifts.

Key shopping districts

EAST VILLAGE IN DES MOINES: More than 90 local shops, restaurants and entertainment destinations. Go to http://ift.tt/1w3kmus for a printable map.

VALLEY JUNCTION IN WEST DES MOINES: Home to over 150 specialty shops, restaurants, and services. Go to http://ift.tt/1rGi65P for more information.

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