BUY LOCAL
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METRO NEWS SERVICE Various components come together to make the holiday season a festive time of year. There is a lot to get done in a short amount of time during the holiday season, and part of that includes shopping for all of the family members and friends on your shopping list. Shopping can be a complicated process that involves identifying which stores will be the best places to shop. Local retailers make the perfect place to shop for holiday items. According to the American Express Business Economic Impact Study, more than two-thirds of every dollar spent with a local business stays in the community. Indeed, shopping local benefits consumer and community alike. The following are some of the many perks to shopping locally throughout the holiday season.
Personalized attention: Small businesses are known for their personalized customer service and owners and staff are often lauded for taking the time to interact and learn about their customers, a dynamic that is impossible at larger retailers. Meet and interact with people: Shopping in-person at local stores, you’ll see faces from
your community and become better known in the local area.
Shorter lines: Local stores are bound to have
smaller crowds and thus shorter lines. That translates to less stress and hassle when it comes to getting in and out with holiday gifts.
Smaller carbon footprint: Pollution, traffic congestion, habitat loss, and resource depletion may not occur on the same levels when shopping locally compared to patronizing big box stores. That’s because local retailers tend to create or source their products locally, whereas many big box stores secure their goods overseas. Easier parking: This goes hand-in-hand with smaller crowds, as shopping locally does not typically require driving up and down endless aisles at malls or standalone retail stores in an effort to find a parking spot. Local retailers in town may have on-street parking or closed lots that are convenient to shoppers. Small batch shopping experience: Consumers can secure items in small businesses that are not carbon copies of those found across the country at major retail chains. When seeking a unique, thoughtful gift, shopping locally is the way to go.
Support small businesses isn’t hard It’s easy to overlook how integral small businesses are to local, national and even global economies. The Small Business Administration and the U.S Census Bureau indicate small businesses account for 99.7 percent of all American businesses, employing 56.8 million people. Since small businesses are the economic engine of many neighborhoods and communities, it’s in everyone’s best interest to pitch in and ensure such firms’ success. Thankfully, it’s easy for anyone to support the small businesses that make their communities unique. • Shop locally and online from small businesses as much as possible. If you cannot shop right away, consider purchasing gift cards to the retailer or service provider and share them as gifts to others. • Before you immediately go with a well-known chain or e-commerce giant, find out if a local retailer offers the same items you need and shop there. • Actively discover new brands, check them out, and then spread the word about your findings to others. • Share posts from small businesses on social media. It’s good exposure for them and can help to widen their customer base. • Attend special events or promotions hosted by local businesses. Well-attended events may spark others’ curiosity. • Share a quick photo of something you bought at a small business or of a service they provided. For example, if a local landscaping company did a wonderful job putting in a new patio or pavers, share the before and after with those you know.
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SHAW MEDIA Sauk Valley Media/ shawlocal.com/sauk-valley • Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Give businesses a holiday gift: Shop local