Supporting Local Businesses Gifts

'Spending and consuming - that's my kind of patriotism.'

"We find shopping at the farmers' market to be more self-congratulatory."

Frank's Butcher Shop. Ernie's Bakery. Starbux Coffee. It hasn't been the same since the candlestick maker went out of business.

"Let's go use their restroom before they go out of business any second?"

'I'm very green - I always drink in my local.'

Support your local bookstore

Businessman sees sign in window of 'Fred's Chili Bowl' restaurant: 'Now Hiring a Bean Counter'.

"Can I talk to someone who knows something?"

"It was a mom-and-pop, but we inherited it."

"Are you mad with us, Mrs. Bimmelman?"

The marketing is out there now. People all know the pizzas are prepared on the premises. So why no customers?

Let's all go to a farmer's market.

Business As Usual Bar & Grill: 'How's business? 'Don't ask!'

Mom & Pop General Store - Going Out of Business Slowly But Surely

'We hope to invest in a few start-ups with national franchise potential.'

Mom & Pop Grocerette

Tips for a green Christmas by Indian Wild Animals.

"Clean your specs, lady?"

"I now only take orders online. Shipping is free, especially since you're my neighbor."

'Let's get one thing straight. I don't want your money, I want your respect.'

'I remember when it was a row of quaint little coffee bars and boutiques.'

Burn It Down

"Local shopping, local eating, and...I married the girl next door."

'We are from the F.B.L.'

Balloons vs. Rockets

"I've reduced theft by 55%!"

We were curbside before it was cool. Lemonade.

Today's special: Roadkill stew.

What can I get you? Keep it down, please. Coffee King. For the record, Coffee King is a giant, evil corporation. Your chain is a ubiquitous capitalist death star. You spread conformity, and ruthlessly crush small, independent cafes. But by golly do I love your peppermint hot chocolates! At that point, getting whipped cream on top seems guilt-free. I feel so dirty.

"On the plus side, all the ingredients are local."

'We guarantee you won't get your money back.'

Any shohplifters with a social conscience avoids small businesses.

"Typical! There's never anything in it for the little people."

"Come on. I always browse the Mom and Pop stores before buying online."

One cappuccino please, and I wanted to give you this. A note. How formal. Dear small local independent coffee house ... I went to Starbucks this morning. I'm sorry. Can you ever forgive me? What if I agree to purge what I ate? The written apology is sufficient.