Emerald Greene Parsons, Publisher
Christmas is only three weeks away and everyone is busy buying and wrapping presents in preparation of the holidays. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are behind us. Many of us might be almost through shopping, while others might not have started shopping yet.
I would like to take this time/space to encourage everyone to shop locally, as much as you can. I know, and understand, that by living in a small town there are some things that we have to go out of town for, in order to purchase. Things such as certain designer jeans/clothing, electronic games, iPhones and iPads, and certain children toys can only be found in some of the big, out-of-town businesses.
However, there are so many gift ideas that are available in our small hometown: hunting and fishing supplies, jewelry, purses, boutique clothing, picture frames, dinner plate sets, antique furniture and clothing, artwork, theme-related items, knick-knacks, tools, auto parts, lawn and garden items, and other memorabilia.
Some “non-traditional” ideas for the “hard to buy for” person on your list (or someone who already “has it all”) could be a facial, massage or hair cut from a local salon; a plant or tree from a local florist; a gift card to a local restaurant, pharmacy, gas station; a home-made cake, or something from a local “home-based” independent salesperson (such as Avon, Mary Kay, Tupperware, etc.)
Use your imagination; there are tons of ideas that can be thought up, all while staying within our small community. Go walk around and walk in our home-owned businesses; you might surprise yourself with the amount of gift ideas you will find.
Top reasons to shop locally:
- Save time, gas and energy – without having to drive long distances or spend countless hours on the road you will save money on gas and save your time and energy for fun this holiday season.
- Boost employment – more sales in our community means more people are needed. That’s good for the economy and providing jobs for your family, friends, neighbors, and possibly you.
- To promote economic development – More local sales mean more money in circulation. That means more businesses can grow and new businesses can start. That improves the area for everyone.
- To get personal service – You know you can trust the person behind the counter to give you the best advice and value when you know them personally.
- To give to your community – When you shop locally, a portion of the money from your purchases pays the wages of your friends, family and neighbors who work at local businesses.
- To help others – Owners and employees of local businesses support a wide range of community services and charitable projects with their time, talents and money.
So, get busy and get ready for Christmas. Santa Claus will be coming down our chimneys in a matter of weeks. Just make sure you check local shops before you bust off out of town.
But, most importantly – remember the true meaning of Christmas is NOT Santa Claus – it’s Jesus Christ.
And, no matter what you buy – be sure to throw in a one-year subscription to your local newspapers! Your family/friends will thank you for it!