Each year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving marks a national celebration of small businesses – the backbone of our local economy. Small Business Saturday isn’t just a chance to shop locally; it’s a reminder of why people want to.

When customers choose to shop small, they’re choosing connection.

Personal Touch

Local businesses are built on relationships. Whether it’s a friendly greeting at the register, a customer service line answered by your neighbor, or a business owner who remembers your favorite order, customers feel seen when they shop locally. It’s that sense of familiarity and care that big stores simply can’t replicate.

It’s companies like Aroma Joe’s at Sanford, Maine, a local business with employees who remember your face, and possibly your coffee order when they see your car pull up.

Community Impact

According to The Andersonville Study by the Civic Economics group, for every $100 spent at an independent business, about $68 is recirculated in the local economy – supporting jobs, schools, and neighborhood initiatives – compared to only $43 at a chain store. If you’re like many, you want to know that your spending makes a difference in the community. Supporting a small business means investing directly in the community’s growth and well-being.

Our friends over at Morse Hardware & Lumber in Wells provide local homeowners and small businesses in the area with great service, knowledgeable staff and great quality products.

Unique Offerings

Local businesses bring creativity and character to our towns. From handmade goods to one-of-a-kind services, small business owners often offer products that reflect the heart and personality of their community. Shopping small gives customers access to experiences and items they won’t find anywhere else.

Take Frannie’s Mini Donuts in Sanford. Who wouldn’t love their cake donuts with classic and fun flavor? Founded and operated by the Hanselmann family, Frannie’s is named after their adopted Pug – fitting for a community that loves its furry family members. We also love their friendly staff who might just know our latte order by heart!

We Share Values

Our local businesses are rooted in the same place our customers call home. We see you in the crowd at high school games, when we’re in line to vote, or at the supermarket. We know the values of our community because we are part of the community.

We’re proud to serve the small business owners who make our communities thrive. From local retailers to family-run restaurants and service providers, your work brings life, color, and connection to the neighborhoods we share.

This Small Business Saturday, we encourage everyone to show their support by shopping locally.

Partners Bank – For the community, by the community.