This holiday season, the Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging you to Think Local First and support the small businesses that make our community strong by shopping local during Small Business Saturday, November 28^th throughout the Brookville area.

Since its introduction by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday encourages shoppers to support locally owned businesses during the holiday shopping season. Positioned between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the day offers a reminder that some of the best gifts, experiences, and discoveries aren’t found in big-box stores or online carts. They’re right here at home.

When you shop local, you’re doing so much more than checking a gift off your list. Instead of a corporate CEO buying a third vacation home, you’re helping a little girl take dance lessons, a young athlete get a team jersey, a student afford college tuition, or a family put food on the table. Your purchase makes a difference in the lives of people you see everyday at the grocery store, the bank, or at church. Statistically, 68% of every dollar you spend locally recirculates directly into the local economy.

We invite you to come check out Brookville.

In a world where it’s easy to click “add to cart” or self-check-out at a big-box store, it’s more important than ever to remember what happens when we choose to support the businesses right here at home. And while Brookville may be a small town, there’s nothing small about what you’ll find here! From specialty boutiques, unique home furnishings, handcrafted goods, and creative finds to quality workwear, outdoor equipment, everyday essentials, and one-of-a-kind gifts, Brookville offers a shopping experience with something for just about everyone. Add in locally owned restaurants, welcoming cafés, charming places to stay, and exceptional dining experiences just minutes from town, and there’s plenty of reason to make a day of exploring. With 14 ribbon cuttings celebrated by the Chamber this year alone, new businesses and fresh ideas continue to add to the variety that makes our area such a great place to shop, dine, and visit.

What makes shopping here even better is the experience. It’s the warm smile that greets you, genuine service from someone who knows your name, and a personal touch that helps you find just the right thing. It’s the opportunity to discover something unexpected, connect with the people behind the businesses, and enjoy the kind of shopping experience you simply won’t get from an online cart. Come see what’s new, revisit an old favorite, and discover just how much Brookville has to offer.

As an extra thank-you for choosing local, participating businesses will be giving away FREE reusable tote bags with a purchase! That’s right, shop, pick up some great finds, and leave with a little something extra to carry it all home. These limited-quantity tote bags are our way of saying thank you for supporting the local businesses that make Brookville such a special place to shop. So bring your shopping list, bring a friend, and be sure to grab a bag while they’re available!

Community Gift Certificates

And if you’re looking for a gift that gives back to the community, don’t forget about Brookville Buck$, the community gift certificates accepted at participating businesses throughout the area.

Brookville Buck$ make holiday gifting easy while giving recipients the freedom to choose something they’ll love. Available in $10 and $25 denominations at the Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce office, they’re a gift that keeps dollars circulating right here at home. Give the gift of local this Christmas! For more information and a list of participating businesses, visit BrookvilleChamber.com/bucks.

For more information about Small Business Saturday, local shopping opportunities, and other community happenings, stop by the Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce office and browse our new Gift & Souvenir Shop at 237 Main Street in Historic Downtown Brookville, or visit BrookvilleChamber.com.