How to Shop Locally (and Safely!) This Holiday
The holiday season is approaching, giving you a chance to bring joy with a well-thought-out gift while also making an impact in your community.
Big box stores and e-commerce retailers may dominate the advertising space during the holidays, but small businesses and local artisans provide unique, quality gifts that promote sustainability and local economic growth-- something that’s more important than ever this year. Here are a few simple ways to support your local business economy this holiday, and ways to do so safely.
Why shopping locally matters
By shopping locally during the holiday season, you can support your community in more ways than one.
More money stays within the community. A 2018 Small Business Economic Impact Study by American Express found that 67% of each dollar spent at a local business stayed within the community. Of that amount, 23% gets reinvested back into other local businesses.
Local governments receive more tax revenue. More tax revenue means better public services like schools, transportation and emergency response.
Shopping local reduces your environmental impact. Choosing local helps reduce negative effects from manufacturing and transportation of goods.
Your local purchases create an indirect impact on the community, as well. Small businesses give back by donating to local charities and sponsoring youth activities. They also provide your family and neighbors with employment opportunities. The American Express study found that for every ten jobs at a small business, another seven are supported elsewhere in the community.
When you shop local, you invest in your community and your neighbors.
How to shop within your zip code
Support small businesses in your area by buying your gifts locally. Instead of taking a road trip or knocking out your list online, visit the stores that are in your own backyard first. Many small businesses will offer holiday discounts comparable to big stores, but you’ll likely receive better customer service and a more personalized shopping experience.
5 Ways to Shop Locally (and Safely) this Holiday!
Spend time learning about local businesses
If you don’t know what your area has to offer, put on your walking shoes (and your mask!) and explore your town. Small businesses are usually gathered in a centrally located shopping center or downtown area — making it easy to park and walk to different stores.
You can also check your local Chamber of Commerce for a map or shopping guide that lists the products or services offered at each store.
Buy books from an independent bookstore
Choose to buy books from a local, independent bookstore instead of ordering them online from Amazon or from a big bookstore like Barnes & Noble. There’s a chance they may cost a couple of dollars more locally, but you’ll be directly supporting a small business owner with your purchase.
Include a small cushion in your holiday budget that is specifically for shopping local. That way those few extra dollars here and there won’t make such a difference in your decision-making process, but they will certainly make a lasting difference in your community.
Make holiday meals from local ingredients
Locally sourced foods are fresher and directly support local farmers. When you’re planning for your holiday meals, consider skipping mega-stores like Walmart.
Instead, pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables at your community’s farmers’ market or stop by your local grocery store for fresh ingredients. If you have questions about a specific ingredient, you can talk directly with the person who grew it or sourced it locally.
Purchase from small businesses online
If your nearby options are limited, you can still support small business entrepreneurs by purchasing from them online. Check out creative market platforms like Etsy to locate tons of unique, hand-crafted items. Or use discovery platforms like Instagram or Pinterest to find new artisans within your interests.
Your choice to shop locally and support small business owners during the holidays will boost your local economy and build a thriving community.
Donate instead of buying “things”
After the crazy year that was 2020, people are looking to make an impact with their money rather than buying more items. Instead of giving an item to those people on your list that might not “need” another “thing”, this holiday season is a great time to make a contribution to a charity or organization that aligns with their values instead of picking up a physical item. This option is quick, easy, meaningful and 100% covid-safe. This way you are making a difference with your money while also thinking of a loved one.
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