Local shopping opportunities

Shopping Local groups organize programs to boost seasonal shopping

December is usually a record-breaking month for many businesses in Durango. The holiday season boosts by HUNTER HARRELL businesses at the end of the year and provides a bit of a cushion for slower winter days. To help you navigate local buying decisions safely this holiday season, business owners and local organizations are making plans to provide alternatives to a traditional shopping experience.

Local First is restructuring Noel Night to encourage safer shopping. This year, Durango’s annual Christmas party is extended through the month of December. Event organizer Jennaye Derge said adapting the event will help reduce crowds for in-person shoppers.

In addition to extending the event, Local First is also using various virtual platforms to encourage sales for small businesses. Members of Local First can participate in Noel Night by publishing deals, discounts and other information about available products and services on www.bizaily.com.

Members may also sign up for a virtual shopper to visit the store. These volunteers will livestream the business inventory and special offers on Facebook Live to help viewers browse gift options from their homes before making a purchase in the store, online or over the phone. To see a tour of participating businesses, follow Local First on Facebook.

Durango Business Improvement District is also encouraging commerce through two different promotions. When the pandemic restrictions closed businesses across the state, BID put together an online auction filled with local goods from regional businesses.

The auction, titled Share the Love Durango, raised over $100,000 for small, independent businesses at a time when they

Turn in this coupon with any purchase at Maria’s Bookshop in December and we’ll donate a book to a child in need.

could not serve customers in person. Because of its success, BID is bringing the online auction back for the holiday season.

The online store features a variety of affordable care packages, gift cards and unique gift items. Bidding and sales will be available from Nov. 23 to Dec. 15. All proceeds from sales go directly to the business. Processing fees for the online store are covered by sponsors Alpine Bank and Durango Motor Company. The goal for the holiday season is to reach $100,000 in sales via the online auction again.

BID and the Durango Chamber of Commerce also collaborated to create a holiday rewards program that will benefit people that shop locally this holiday season. This promotion runs from Nov. 23 and Dec. 31.

Those who spend $50 during that time frame have a chance to receive a $5 gift card. Spend $100 for a chance to win a $25 gift card, or $300 for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Shoppers don’t have to reach the spending limit in one location. Instead receipts can be combined from a variety of stores to reach the spending goal for an opportunity to win an award. Gift certificates will be available for pick up at Durango Chamber of Commerce and the Durango Welcome Center.

The holiday rewards program is supported by sponsors Bank of Colorado, Morehart Murphy Regional Auto Center and La Plata County Economic Development Alliance. For more information about the holiday rewards program, see the list of rules at www.downtowndurango.org/holidayrewards.

Residents can also explore other opportunities, such as scheduling a private shopping experience at select stores. These programs offer shoppers more flexibility, while keeping the community’s safety and stability front of mind. d