BEAUMONT, Texas — Beaumont businesses are hoping Southeast Texas families will consider shopping local this holiday season.
Both S&M Family Outlet and Norman's Shoes and Menswear have been in the community for more than 50 years.
The owners tell 12News this holiday season is bringing different experiences.
"If you're not shopping with the guy, that's contributing to your little kids baseball team. If you spend with those big companies it goes to the bank and it goes straight to a big bank in New York or California somewhere it doesn't recirculate into the community," said owner of S&M Family Outlet, Steve Stoma.
Stoma says while his sales were up compared to last season, residents just don't shop like they use to.
"We had the COVID thing then the hurricane thing . No one bought that COVID year and the year after they were just starting to come out then they were really out last year," he said.
Jason Norman, the owner of Norman's Shoes and Menswear says he hasn't been as lucky as far as sales.
"The first six months of the year were just as good as 2022 or better we were kinda on an increase then we started seeing a decrease the second half of this year. I think a lot of it had to do with inflation," Norman said.
Both Norman and Stoma inherited the businesses from their fathers more than 50 years ago.
They say they work hard everyday to not only get new customers in the doors, but maintain the ones they already have.
"You've gotta treat people right. We're always trying to make sure the people are happy when they come in the store, making sure they're getting the best prices and deals," Stoma said.
While Stoma sells a little bit of everything, Norman is more of a specialty store selling suits and shoes.
"Unlike our competitors, if someone comes in here and needs alterations done in two days or even a day, I'll find a way to get their suit altered," Norman said.
Norman says by shopping and supporting his store, he hopes to do some remodeling in the future, such as updating the carpet and painting.