All Souls Grotto Challenges You to "Think Big Shop Small" This Holiday Season

It’s about bringing awareness to so many of the local businesses right in here in the Appalachian region that are locally owned and operated.

There is nothing small about small business; it takes a big person with intense commitment, big resolve and unwavering determination to make any business succeed. No matter the obstacles, the risk, or the uncertainties, small business owners persevere and make it happen. They inspire others to do the same.

Supporting the community where you live

Consider how local independent shops invest in their community. Local businesses are proportionally more generous in the support of local charities, schools and community events than big box stores; independent local merchants return 68 percent of their income to your local economy versus 48 percent in local economic activity when spent at a chain retailer.

In addition to generosity, local businesses also improve residential neighborhoods. On average, this means that home values increase more than 50 percent when they are close to small businesses. Internet purchases from large conglomerates simply can’t do that. Supporting local shops means a financial contribution back to the community.

"We're encouraging people to shop early and shop often at our locally owned businesses, then dine in one of our local restaurants."

"We deeply appreciate the contribution our small, independent brands and artisans make to the community. The support we offer these creatives during Think Big, Shop Small is our way of saying thank you, particularly after such a difficult year."

"When you have dollars staying here, that motivates and encourages people to open a business here, or expand or renovate one," said Kylor Rife, co-founder of All Souls Grotto in Biltmore Village. "The future of our unique Western North Carolina businesses depends on people shopping small and shopping local."

Supporting the community where you work

When you shop local and small, you provide job opportunities for your friends and neighbors. According to a Forbes report, more than 50 percent of the U.S. working population — or 120 million people in the U.S. — are employed by small businesses, and since 1995, 65 percent of new jobs created were attributed to small businesses. Each month, more than 543,000 new small businesses are founded and about half of these new businesses survive for more than five years.

These might be surprising statistics, but they shouldn’t be. Small businesses easily adapt to changing economies and more successfully keep their fingers on the pulse of new trends and technology. According to the Small Business Association, during the past 24 years, small businesses have added jobs, while big businesses have eliminated them. An eight million increase versus a four million decrease.

Supporting the community where you play

Local business owners are well-known throughout Asheville, and North Carolina, as passionate, kind and courageous individuals. When shopping at a locally owned business, you know the person behind the counter and they have a vested interest in your happiness at their store as well as in the overall well-being of the community they call home.

Nationally, small businesses donate 250 percent more than larger businesses to non-profits and community causes. Your help supporting local businesses means they can help support the local community.

Accept the Challenge

1. Shop Biltmore Village and Alls Souls and get into the holiday spirit early! Enjoy treats and special deals on Friday, November 26th through Saturday, January 1st. Check out all the great specials and get a jump start on your Holiday shopping for you, your loved ones, and your home!
2. Share your favorite local business on social media with #thinkbigshopsmall

3. Share All Souls Grotto with #thinkbigshopsmall, show us the post, and get discounts at our shop in Biltmore Village throughout the Holiday Season.

Join with us by Thinking Big and Shopping Small!