Think Big Shop Small in downtown Washington this Friday and Saturday. People are encouraged to start their holiday shopping this weekend while supporting small businesses in Washington. Eight participating businesses in the Think Big Shop Small program will have special discounts Friday and Saturday from 20% off an item to a free dessert with lunch. Main Street Washington Director Sarah Grunewaldt says it’s important to support local businesses, “It’s become very clear throughout this very challenging year for all industry types that small businesses are the heartbeat of our community. They are the ones that support your booster clubs, and your kids’ sports programs and dance programs, and after proms, and they have had a very challenging year. They have had to be very creative. And the people who have won this year have been companies who don’t contribute anything to our community but because they are easy to use they have succeeded quite well. And so I think it’s really important for us to remember that when we are going Christmas shopping for our families and our friends that have done the hard work of finding awesome products for you, awesome gifts for your family.”

Shopping locally helps the community as a whole as the dollars circulate throughout the area and help support local employment and services.

Grunewaldt adds that many local businesses have gotten creative to make it easier and safer for shoppers. She recommends checking their websites to make online orders, browse businesses’ Facebook pages for items, and call them for curbside pickup.