Why Supporting Small Businesses Matters on Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday, observed annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, is more than just another shopping event. It’s a day to celebrate and support local, independently owned businesses that form the backbone of our communities. Choosing to shop locally on this day (and throughout the year) uplifts these businesses and brings unique, high-quality products and services right to our neighborhoods. Let's dive into why supporting small businesses truly matters.

1. Strengthening the Local Economy

Supporting small businesses is one of the most impactful ways to boost your local economy. Research from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance shows that independent businesses keep a higher share of revenue in the local community than national chains. Each Feel State is independently owned and operated, meaning your support directly benefits the local entrepreneurs behind it. When you shop locally, more of your money goes toward supporting local jobs, services, and public infrastructure. Choosing to buy from small businesses is more than a transaction—it’s an investment in the financial health and strength of your community.

2. Discovering Unique and Handmade Products

Each Feel State location is independently owned and operated, allowing them to curate a unique selection of cannabis products and accessories tailored to the tastes and needs of their local community. Unlike big-box chains, Feel State dispensaries offer thoughtfully sourced products—from premium flower and edibles to high-quality concentrates and topicals—as well as locally crafted items like handmade roach clips, Feel State branded dugouts, and St. Louis' own Handwraps rolling papers. This personalized approach ensures a distinctive experience, giving you the opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind products chosen with care by those who understand what their community values.

3. Building Community Connections

One of the joys of shopping locally is the opportunity to connect with business owners and staff who genuinely care about their community. At Feel State Florissant, the team embodies this commitment to their customers. GM Nick shares, “There wouldn’t be a Feel State without the guests.” Budtender KeyKey adds, “I care about them a lot. A lot of them are regulars, and they’re my favorite customers, as well.” Budtender Renz says, “They’re like family. I try to meet their needs every time.” Budtender Lex echoes this sentiment, stating, “I want everyone that walks into our doors to leave in a better mood than they came in.” Feel State Florissant staff are not just here to serve—they’re here to connect and make customers feel at home. When you shop at local establishments like these, you’re not just a customer; you’re part of the community fabric. This builds relationships, loyalty, and a sense of belonging that strengthens our towns and neighborhoods.

4. Reducing Environmental Impact

You can order almost anything online, but only at Feel State can you experience a local connection to the products you love, with sustainable practices unique to your community. Shopping locally is generally more eco-friendly than traveling long distances to ship from large retailers, and each dispensary is centrally located, reducing travel time and emissions for customers. By choosing to shop small, you’re making an environmentally conscious choice that benefits the planet and supports your local area.

5. Preserving Character and Variety

Every small business brings its own personality, charm, and character to the community. Feel State Florissant is proud to be part of this tradition, offering a welcoming environment where customers feel at home and connected to others in their neighborhood. From local bookstores and artisanal coffee shops to specialty stores like Feel State, these businesses shape the identity of Florissant, creating a more vibrant and unique place to live and visit. Supporting small, local businesses like Feel State helps preserve this variety, allowing communities to retain their special appeal and diversity.

6. Creating More Jobs and Opportunities

Small businesses are key contributors to local job growth, hiring from within the community to provide stable employment and boost local incomes. At Feel State Florissant, low staff turnover and the retention of key team members for almost four years underscore the store’s commitment to a supportive, welcoming workplace. Many small businesses, like Feel State Florissant, also collaborate with other local businesses, forming mutually supportive networks that encourage economic stability. By supporting small businesses, you’re directly contributing to job creation, growth, and lasting career opportunities within your own community.

Your Impact Starts Here

This Small Business Saturday, let’s think about the impact of our spending choices. By supporting small businesses, we’re not only enriching our shopping experience with unique finds but also investing in our community’s future. So, whether you’re stopping by your favorite local dispensary (Feel State Florissant), bakery, or boutique, know that your support goes beyond a simple purchase—it’s a vote for a thriving, connected, and unique community.

Encourage friends and family to join you in shopping small this year. Together, we can make a lasting impact, one small business at a time.

Florissant Businesses to Support

If you’re in the Florissant area, here are some wonderful local businesses to check out and support on Small Business Saturday:

• Max's Meats & Deli – 432 Howdershell Rd, Florissant, MO 63031
  A renowned butcher shop offering high-quality meats and deli products.
• Beauty Supply Refresh – 456 Howdershell Rd, Florissant, MO 63031
  A family-owned beauty supply store with a wide selection catering to all hair textures.
• Howdershell Animal Clinic – 573 Howdershell Rd, Florissant, MO 63031
  A full-service veterinary clinic providing comprehensive care for pets in the community.
• Celano's Pizzeria – 557 Howdershell, Florissant, MO 63031
  A beloved pizzeria known for its delicious pizzas and Italian specialties.
• Stonies420 Accessories – 360 Howdershell Rd, Florissant, MO 63031
  A funky shop offering a variety of accessories for cannabis enthusiasts.

By choosing to support these and other local businesses, you help foster a vibrant and thriving community in Florissant. Let's keep our neighborhoods thriving—one purchase at a time!

Disclaimer: The information presented here is meant for educational purposes only. Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of specific medical products.