Keep the money at home: buy local
BY J EFF M INICK C OLUMNIST
When I was a boy in Boonville, North Carolina, population 600 in the early 1960s, my mom used to take us shopping once or twice a year in nearby Winston-Salem. Once I asked her why we didn’t shop there more frequently. The stores offered far more variety, and the drive was less than 45 minutes.
“We only shop there when we can’t find what we want in our town,” Mom said. “These are our friends and neighbors. They’re your dad’s patients. They need us, and we need them. So we always shop here first.”
So, a housewife and mother of six gave me one of the most important economic lessons of my life. Here are 10 reasons for shopping locally, not only during this holiday season but also throughout the year.
More of the money you spend stays in your community. For every $100 you spend in your community, $68 stays there. The merchants pay out the rest for goods and services. This is twice the amount for chain stores. There is, of course, even a greater disparity compared to online ordering from outfits like Amazon.
The velocity of money — how quickly and how often money changes hands — is much faster on a local level. According to joshuakennon.com, “All else equal, the faster money travels (the higher the velocity of money) and the more transactions in which it is used, the healthier the economy, the richer the citizens, and the more vibrant the financial system.” An example: Rick owns an auto
repair shop. He heads to lunch at the local café. The waitress Rick and others tip goes to the manicurist in the late afternoon. The manicurist stops at the market to buy steak and salad fixings for the weekend. The grocer uses that money and more to buy a new tire on his van from Rick. This fast exchange of money is a sign and a cause of a vibrant economy.
Buying local creates jobs. As it grows, that kitchen supply shop on Main Street will need to hire some help. The café and wine shop next
door will soon be hiring more wait staff. The taxes of these workers and others will help pay for the wages of another fireman for the town.
Shopping in your hometown encourages entrepreneurship. When a young person fresh out of college sees a bustling community with lots of small shops, she will be encouraged to open that bakery she’s always dreamed of. Far more jobs are created by local businesses than by Amazon.
Buying local allows you to build a rapport with small-business owners. The owner of the coffee shop asks about your son serving in the Marines; the waitress at the café remembers where you like to sit and what you like to drink. In short, you are part of a human community.
Shopping local increases realestate values. Small towns with shut-
tered stores and deserted streets are unlikely to attract homebuyers. Towns and communities with active small shops, businesses, and restaurants do attract those homebuyers.
Local business folks are more civicminded than the owners of large chain stores or the online companies. They are connected to the community, and are much more likely to donate to charities, coach Little League teams, and work to improve their neighborhoods. Non-profits also receive more support from local businesses.
Local businesses invest their money locally. In other words, they buy or rent property, they shop locally, they use local services from barbershops to boutiques. That money they spend stays in the community rather than going to some outfit a thousand miles away. Local businesses pay taxes on property and income. A flourishing commercial district means each of these businesses is helping pay for local schools and other vital projects. Finally, these folks are your neighbors. Like you, perhaps, they are struggling to make a living, get the kids through school, and keep the house standing and the 10-year-old car alive and running. Buy from them, and you’re creating a stronger community, not just for the merchants but for yourself.
Of course, shopping locally doesn’t always work, as my mother realized. If you want certain books and your town has no bookstore, then you head to Amazon or the nearest Barnes & Noble. (If possible, choose the latter, where at least the staff is local.) If you need some rare wine and your local market doesn’t carry that brand, then the same advice applies. But, this option should be a last resort.
Remember: if you want to keep Main Street alive with shops and people, if you like having a busy commercial district near your home, the best way to keep those things is to spend your money there instead of with some retail giant or online behemoth. Give it a shot.
Shop where you live.
(Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher who, for more than a decade, owned a bookstore and a bed and breakfast in downtown Waynesville.)
Shop Small celebration is Saturday, Nov. 24
There’s some irony that the Small Business Saturday that was started in 2010 as a way to help small businesses get more customers was created by the giant corporation we all know as American Express.
That said, the celebration has since become an annual shopping tradition on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
“What began nine years ago as an effort to support local stores during the holiday shopping season has become the Shop Small movement, bringing together millions of shoppers, small businesses of all kinds, civic leaders and organizations in thousands of towns and cities across the country,” said Elizabeth Rutledge, chief marketing officer at American Express.
“Shopping small has a significant and positive effect on local communities, and we hope Small Business Saturday will help to amplify that effect during the crucial holiday shopping season. When we spend local, small businesses thrive. And when small businesses thrive, we all thrive.”
Chambers of commerce around Western North Carolina have jumped on the effort, encouraging members to visit downtowns and other locally owned stores instead of doing all their holiday shopping online or at the big box retailers.
THEIMPACTOFSHOPPINGSMALL
the day said Small Business Saturday has had a positive impact on their community, according to the “2018 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey,” another study based on a separate survey of consumers.
The survey found that nine in 10 (91 percent) consumers believe it is more important than ever to support small businesses this holiday season, and 83 percent plan to do at least some portion of their holiday shopping at a small, independently owned retailer or restaurant — either in person or online.
On par with previous years’ celebrations, nearly six in 10 (58 percent) U.S. consumers reported being aware of Small Business Saturday, and among those, 80 percent plan to go out and Shop Small at independently-owned retailers or restaurants on the day.
ADDITIONALRESULTSOFTHESURVEY:
A majority of consumers (94 percent) value the contributions small businesses make in their community.
The “Small Business Economic Impact Study,” a county-level economic analysis on shopping small commissioned by American Express, provides a closer look at the economic benefits of shopping locally and the impact of small business on communities. The study found that if small businesses in the U.S. — defined as businesses employing fewer than 100 employees — were a country, they would have a GDP of $4.8 trillion, equivalent to the GDP of Japan, the third largest economy in the world.
The study also demonstrated the extent to which small businesses support jobs locally. In addition to small businesses directly employing members of the community, spending by those small businesses and their employees in the area also supports local jobs. In fact, for every 10 jobs at a small business, another seven are supported in the local community.
Now in its ninth year, 97 percent of consumers who plan to Shop Small on
As consumer shopping habits shift further online, nearly two-thirds (65 percent) are likely to seek out small, independently-owned retailers when shopping online, including 59 percent who plan to Shop Small online this Small Business Saturday; even 40 percent of consumers say they will shop with a small retailer online this Cyber Monday.
Among consumers who plan to shop on Small Business Saturday, nearly all (96 percent) said Small Business Saturday inspires them to go to small, independently-owned retailers or restaurants that they have not been to before, or would not have otherwise tried.
“When shoppers spend locally at small businesses, communities win,” said National Federation of Independent Businesses CEO and President Juanita D. Duggan. “We encourage consumers to celebrate Small Business Saturday by shopping at small and independent shops and restaurants. We are proud to partner with American Express to promote small businesses.”
Few things compare to seeing the joy on a child’s face upon opening a holiday gift. Many adults remember holiday gifts they received as children, and holiday shoppers often try to look for gifts that will be just as memorable to the special youngsters in their lives.
not have the ability to use toys designed for older children, and such toys might not be safe for them to use, so it’s always best to stick to the age guidelines.
• Avoid certain toys. Toys with sharp or rigid points, spikes, rods, or dangerous edges can pose a threat to youngsters. Avoid such toys, opting for toys with rounded and/or dull edges instead.
• Stick to sturdy toys. Kids do not often treat their toys delicately. Toys
Safety first when it comes to toys Holiday GUIDE
Shoppers might have kids’ smiles on their minds when holiday shopping, but it’s just as important to focus on safety when buying gifts for children. Prevent Blindness®, an organization devoted to ensuring everyone enjoys healthy vision from infancy through adulthood, offers the following tips to toy buyers who want to make sure they give safe gifts to kids this holiday season.
• Read all warnings and instructions on the box. Before taking a toy to the check out line, give the packaging a thorough read-through, paying particular attention to product warnings and instructions. Such warnings are designed to keep kids safe. When buying toys online, only purchase toys that include the warnings within the product description.
• Purchase age-appropriate toys Kids’ toys come with age recommendations, which are typically listed on the front of the packaging. Stick to these recommendations. Kids might
will be dropped or thrown, so choose sturdy toys that can withstand being dropped or thrown without breaking into tiny pieces. Tiny shards can pose a choking hazard to youngsters.
• Purchase toys with the ASTM designation. ASTM International is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of products, including toys. Prevent Blindness notes that toys with the letters ASTM on the packaging have been tested and met
the toy standards set for by ASTM.
• Avoid toys with parts that shoot or fly off. These types of toys can damage the eyes and lead to other acci-
dents or injuries.
When shopping for toys for children this holiday season, shoppers must consider safety first.
Technological gifts for students
Gifting students with tech is a surefire way to help them with their educations. In a Harris Interactive poll, 86 percent of teachers thought it was important or absolutely essential to use tech in the classroom. In addition, 96 percent of teachers felt technology increased student engagement in learning. Today’s students are more tech-savvy than ever before, so hot gadgets figure to be coveted items this holiday season. Here’s what to add to holiday shopping lists.
• E-reader: Digital e-readers enable students to carry an entire library of books in one small device. Full backpacks or small dorm rooms bogged down by piles of books are a thing of the past. E-readers have highlighting and note taking features that can facilitate learning.
• Digital assistant: Digital assistants pack a lot of intelligence into their diminutive size. When paired with smart home devices, digital assistants can be used to turn on lights or small appliances, making them an asset in a bedroom or a dorm room.
• Smart bulbs or alarm clocks: The importance of lighting on mood and function has been well-documented. Innovative LED bulbs and technology can simulate various times of day and even be used for mood lighting. Instead of waking up to a blaring alarm buzzer, students afraid of sleeping in can set special lighted clocks to gradually brighten, simulating the rising of the sun.
• Streaming media players: Devices like Roku, Amazon Fire stick and Apple TV can broaden media horizons. These players are paired with viewing apps (some free; others requiring subscriptions) that can do everything from stream TV, movies and music, and offer connectivity to the Internet. They’re a boon when setting up a functional student spot for hanging out.
• Earbuds: Students can never have enough quality earbuds for personal use or school study. Whether walking around campus listening to music, using a classroom Chromebook or catching up on an audiobook, earbuds are a must-have for modern students.
• Digital tracking devices: Students can keep tabs on prized possessions by using Bluetooth-enabled tracking devices. These plastic gadgets can be placed on or in items and paired with Android and iOS apps on smartphones. The user then locates the item through a locate network.
• Computer workstation: Even though handheld digital devices are functional and in demand, a student can always use a quality laptop or desktop computer for writing papers or doing research.
“An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving day.”
The fitness industry is booming and attracting new devotees every day.
The growth of the fitness industry has included a surge in boutique fitness regimens. While major clubs offer classes, separate boutique clubs also are thriving. Clubs focusing on ballet barre, Cross-Fit® and Orangetheory® are just some examples of the booming boutique fitness industry.
Gift ideas of fitness fans Holiday GUIDE
Holiday shoppers with fitness fans on their list can look to their loved ones’ love of physical activity when seeking inspiration for holiday gifts. Purchasing gifts for someone with a specific hobby or interest can often be daunting because enthusiasts may have firm ideas of what they like and want to use. While the same can be said for athletes and people who live active lifestyles, there are plenty of gifts that will appeal to those who embrace fitness as part of their lifestyle.
• Bluetooth headphones: Music can inspire and get fitness buffs motivated. Bluetooth headphones connect wirelessly to most devices, and such headphones won’t get tangled up while running or hitting the elliptical at the gym. Select a pair that are lightweight and comfortable and securely fit in the ears for
ultimate convenience.
• Reversible yoga mat: Active yogis know just how much a stretch session can work up a sweat. Throw in an hour of hot yoga, and perspiration will certainly be flowing. Everyone recognizes Lululemon for their comfortable workout attire, but the company also has a reversible yoga mat that wicks away moisture during yoga sessions. When gifting yoga mats,
throw in a yoga mat carrier as well.
• Fitness tracker: Active people often like to track their progress during a workout or to see just how much they’ve been moving during the day. Fitness trackers are ideal for this. Different brands come at various price points to make giving easier on the budget.
• Personal blender: Diet plays a big role in fitness, and many fitness enthusiasts enjoy protein shakes and smoothies as part of their daily regimen. A personal blender makes enough for a single bottle at a time. Some are designed so the blender tube is actually the receptacle that
can be carried on the go.
• Suspension training kit: Many workouts are based on counterbalancing body weight to drive up resistance. Suspension training, like the workouts from TRX, utilize a network of straps so athletes can put their body weight to use in a variety of exercises. A portable kit can be set up wherever it’s needed.
• Dumbbell set: Weight training can boost metabolism and strengthen
bones and muscles. When athletes can’t make it to the gym, a home set of dumbbells can ensure they still get their strength-training sessions in.
• Workout bag: A durable duffel bag that can tote a change of clothes, towel, equipment, and more to and from workouts is a gift any fitness enthusiast can enjoy.
Outfitting fitness enthusiasts with the tools of the trade is a surefire way to purchase a holiday-gift hit.
Book Holiday Celebration
A simple, tasty holiday treat
Baking is a holiday tradition in many families. Gingerbread cookies may be the first baked goods that come to mind when people envision the holiday season, but celebrants need not limit themselves when preparing special treats for their families.
Macaroons are one beloved baked good that busy holiday hosts may believe are too time-consuming to prepare. However, the following recipe for “Coconut Macaroons with Dried Cherries” from Laurey Masterton’s The Fresh Honey Cookbook (Storey) is easy to whip up and makes for a tasty holiday treat.
COCONUT MACAROONS WITH DRIED CHERRIES
the egg white mixture.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop tablespoon-size rounds, perhaps using a small ice cream scoop, of the coconut mixture onto the baking sheet. Press one or two dried cherries into the top of each macaroon.
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Combine the unsweetened and sweetened coconut on a baking sheet. Lightly toast in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Keep close watch so the mixture does not burn, though you do want a nice toasted golden brown color. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
3. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 F. (If using a convection oven, leave at 350 F.)
4. Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until the whites stiffen into firm peaks.
5. Fold the toasted coconut into
7. Melt the butter and honey together in a microwave on high for 20 seconds. Drizzle the mixture over the top of each macaroon. Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt.
8. Bake the macaroons for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly browned (watch carefully to avoid burning), or for 8 to 10 minutes if using a convection oven. The macaroons should be dry to the touch. You may need to bake them longer if it is a humid day. If you live in a dry area, these will keep well for a week.
Chef’s note: If you want to be really fancy, melt some chocolate and dip each one halfway into it.
Happenings
HAYWOOD COUNTY
• Maggie Gets Lit, the official beginning of the Christmas season and Lighting up of the Valley for the
The event concludes with a community sing-around a Christmas tree and flipping a switch to light up Maggie Valley. Noon to 6 p.m. on Nov. 24.
• Waynesville Christmas Parade is at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3.
• Canton Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. in Sorrells Street Park to kick off the Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 6.
• Handel’s “Messiah,” featuring a local choir and musicians, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 7, at Stuart Auditorium. Tickets at www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas or 800.965.9324.
• Appalachian Christmas Craft Show from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, at the Harrell Center.
• Sheila Kay Adams, storyteller, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, at Stuart Auditorium. Tickets at www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas or 800.965.9324
• The Lake Junaluska Singers Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, at Stuart Auditorium. Tickets at www.lakejunaluska.com/christmas or 800.965.9324.
• A Night Before Christmas in downtown Waynesville will be held Dec. 8. Live music, caroling, live nativity, wagon rides, Santa, shops open late, other special activities.
JACKSON COUNTY
• “Christmas on the Green” – featuring a visit from Santa
and Mrs. Claus – is scheduled for 2-5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers. Holiday music and tree lighting celebration at 5 p.m. Info: info@VillageGreenCashiersNC.com, VillageGreenCashiersNC.com or 743.3434.
• The Town of Sylva’s official tree lighting is at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, on the steps of the Jackson County Public Library. Holiday music performed by Western Carolina University’s choral group and Geoff McBride.
• The Town of Sylva’s winter market and photos with Santa will be held from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1. Market is in the parking lot at Main/Landis Streets. Santa will be at downtown breweries and clubs starting at 9 p.m.
• The 31th annual “Hard Candy Christmas” arts and crafts show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1-2 inside the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University. $5 for a two-day pass. Children under 12 are free. Parking is also free. www.mountainartisans.net.
• Sylva Christmas Parade is at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, on Main Street. Theme is “Christmas Around the World.”
• The annual “Sounds of the Season” concert by Western Carolina University’s School of Music is 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center in Cullowhee. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for WCU faculty/staff and those 60 and older, and $5 for students and children. Group rates are available for advance purchase only. arts.wcu.edu/sos or call 828.227.2479.
• Western Carolina University’s Department of Campus Activities will present “The Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $5 for WCU students, $10 for non-WCU students
and WCU faculty and staff, and $15 for the public. For tickets and group sales, contact the Bardo Arts Center box office at 828.227.2479 or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.
• Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries is held for two weekends, December 7-8 and December 14-15. More than 2,500 candles light up the town while shops and galleries stay open light with Christmas specials.
• The 44th Annual Cashiers Christmas Parade is December 8 at noon with rain date Sunday, December 9 at 1 p.m.
MACON COUNTY
• Franklin’s Annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25. Theme is “The Joy of Christmas.” 524.3161.
• The Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce’s first “Pictures with Santa” will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 30, at the welcome center. 828.524.3161.
• The Highlands Christmas Parade is at noon on Dec. 1.
SWAIN
COUNTY
• “Breakfast with Santa” will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. on December 1 at the Rescue Squad Building. Pancake breakfast ($5). Bring your own camera. 828.488.3681.
• “Christmas Bazaar & Cookie Walk” will start at 9 a.m. on December 1 at 76 Main Street. Homemade cookies and treats, pecans, handcrafted art and other items for Christmas gifts. Old fashioned cookie walk. 828.488.8970.
• The 44th annual Bryson City Christmas Parade will be held at 2 p.m. on December 1 in downtown. www.greatsmokies.com.
• “Santa at the Museum” will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on December 1 at the Swain County Heritage Museum. Bring your camera or cell phone to commemorate this fun event. Cookies and cocoa served in the lobby.
• The “Share the Joy” concert will Alma Russ (Americana/old-time) will be at 6 p.m. on Decmeber 1 at the Swain Arts Center. Russ was a recent contestant on “American Idol” and received yeses for the “golden ticket” from Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. Tickets are $10 or $5 with the donation of a new child’s toy. Toys will be donated to the Swain Family Resource Center.
Dillsboro Festival of Lights & Luminaries. Jackson TDA photo
