Shop Local This Holiday Season

With the holiday season fast approaching, it's time to start planning out our Christmas shopping lists.  Instead of hitting up the nearest mall and deal with the dreaded flocks of shoppers and migraine inducing parking space decisions - there are many options for local mom & pop shops, as well as local craft fairs and marketplace events,  who sell a variety of items that can be the perfect unique gift for your loved ones.  

Things to keep in mind when making your holiday shopping selections this year:  

Promoting and Supporting Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship fuels not only local, but the economic innovation and prosperity of our country as a whole.  When we support our local businesses, we help entrepreneurs thrive and continue to grow our economy.

$$ In Our Local Economy
Local businesses are often more generous in support of our local charities, schools, and community events – which you could easily be a part of yourself. Especially when you compare to giant chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of revenue into the local economy.  Supporting local shops and artisans means a financial impact on your own community just by supporting them.

Product Knowledge and Experts in the Craft
Local business owners must be experts in their field in order to be competitive with larger chains.  This often results in an impressive product knowledge, and better customer experience, than one would receive with mass-production. 

Keepin' it Competitive  
We don't want to all wear the same sweater to our next holiday party.  A diverse marketplace filled with small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation, even in the creative community.    

Local Shops Value YOU More
Repeat customers and a good reputation mean everything to a local business.  Your satisfaction in the product actually means something to the individual who handcrafted the item, or business that is standing behind their product. 

#shoplocal