County Executive Laura Curran announced Monday that this year the county will have its first “Shop Small Scavenger Hunt” urging Long Islanders to “shop local” on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
The hunt coincides with the Nov. 30 holiday “Small Business Saturday,” started by American Express in 2010, to promote local shopping in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Curran made the announcement at a news conference at Trainland in Lynbrook along with the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce and the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency, which are helping promote and run the scavenger hunt with the county.
Curran used Trainland, famously featured in the sixth season of “The Sopranos,” to highlight its achievements as a local business and congratulate the store for joining the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce.
“Ninety percent of all Long Island companies are small businesses so shopping small makes a big impact. For every dollar spent at a small business, approximately 67 cents stays in that local community,” Curran said.
Small businesses employ our neighbors, family and friends more than corporate stores and chain stores and choosing to buy local helps keep communities vibrant and strong, Curran said.
“That is why we’re introducing the Shop Small Scavenger Hunt, encouraging residents to have some fun while supporting and exploring the mom and pop shops in their communities,” Curran said.
Curran said this is how the scavenger hunt works: A participant must print the “Shop Small Scavenger Hunt” sheet available on the websites nassaucountyny.gov/shopsmall, nassauida.org/shopsmall, and ncchambers.org/events, Curran said.
Participants must complete at least four of eight tasks outlined on the Scavenger Hunt sheet.
Some of the tasks require purchasing a beverage or snack from a local coffee/bagel shop or deli and taking a selfie with it, taking a selfie while getting a haircut at a local barbershop or while getting your nails done at a local salon, making a purchase at a clothing boutique or gift shop and take a photo with it in front of the store, or making a purchase at a local hardware store or variety store and take a photo with your purchase in front of the store, Curran said.
“It’s important that we continue to support our small businesses who are the backbone of this county and nation,” IDA Chairman Richie Kessel said.
Kessel said the Nassau County IDA has made it a priority to work closely with the state’s Economic Development Council to review state statutes and determine how IDA’s can better assist downtowns, transit-oriented development and economic development to keep the county vibrant. Kessel said events like these help keep downtowns alive.
“We encourage all Nassau residents to shop locally and in their downtowns throughout this holiday season,” Kessel said.
Purchases must be made on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, by 10 p.m.,All purchases must be made at shops located within a person’s town and not at national franchises, Curran said.
Entries can be submitted on Facebook by tagging: @NCExecutive, @NassauCouncilofChambersofCommerce, @NassauCountyIDA, and #ShopSmallNassau. Submissions must include all tags.
Participants who don’t have social media can send their cards via email to info@ncchambers.org with their name and #ShopSmallNassau in the subject line, Curran said.
Nassau chamber president Dennis Grossman said that it is also imperative for the stores to create a memorable experience during the hunt.
“’Shop local’ is a great quote but merchants must provide an enjoyable experience and personalized service. Stores must modernize and grow through mixed-use and full well-planned downtown revitalization. Those areas doing this are successful,” Grossman said.
