Beginning in the 1880’s, Mom-and-pop stores became common throughout America. Our economy could not run without small mom and pop businesses. They create economic growth and provide almost 70% of all new jobs in the country. That is why every year on March 29 we acknowledge the more than 27 million small businesses throughout the U.S. by celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day.
The holiday was established in 1994 by Rick and Margie Segel in honor of their parents and the successful hat shop they opened in 1939. It is a special day to appreciate the long hours, hard work and dedication it takes to run a small business.
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The Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association partners with locally owned small businesses in Downtown Glendale to help stimulate, enhance, and sustain the economic vitality and customer experience of the Historic Downtown Glendale Shopping and Dining District. The historic area is made up of dozens of small businesses. In fact, 88 percent of the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association member small businesses are women owned/co-owned.
When you shop and dine in mom-and-pop businesses, you bring a significant impact on the local economy. Dollars spent with local businesses stay in the local community longer than dollars spent with non-local businesses. For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $43 remains in the economy. In comparison, for every $100 spent at a non-locally owned business, only $13 remains in the economy. A recent Small Business Recovery Research report shows that three-quarters of U.S. consumers are currently looking for ways to shop small and support their community.
“Mom-and-pop businesses now have higher signs of hope for success as more and more people are seeking local products and personalized services,” said Lorraine Zomok, president of the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association and owner of Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures. Consumers want to purchase local products and services so that they can do their part to help their community and help in promoting local economic growth.
So, on March 29, head to your favorite small businesses to say hello and support Mom and Pop Business Owners Day!
For more information about Historic Downtown Glendale, check out www.VisitDowntownGlendale.com or follow at www.Facebook.com/HistoricGlendale.