Shop Local 2015 by Mountain Times Publications

THE ULTIMATE

BLACK SHOP

FRIDAY

L A C LO “CLOSER IS

TER T E B

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THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Everything your family needs for Christmas is less than 30 minutes away! ASHE COUNTY • AVERY COUNTY • WATAUGA COUNTY

Enjoy life! Shop at home this Christmas! Merry Christmas from your High Country business community.

SHOP LOCAL | LOCAL ECONOMY

Create Jobs for Christmas

t’s better to give than to receive, says the timeless adage. By shopping locally for Christmas, you can keep this holiday spirit alive! You may have more of an impact on your community’s economy than you realize.

A recent study by the Small Business Administration, United States Department of Labor and other major organizations found that small businesses have employed about 77 million Americans and accounted for 65 percent of all new jobs over nearly the past two decades. Those numbers only look to increase as entrepreneurship and small business accelerators continue to work together on new business ideas. But that kind of job growth is only sustainable if customers allow for it. That’s where you come in.

TURN PART-TIME INTO FULL-TIME

employment opportunities during the holiday season. Businesses usually bring on board a large contingent of part-time workers to help them meet the demands of Christmas shopping season – the busiest time for retailers and restaurants both big and small. Spending your dollars locally means you’re giving small business owners a great boost going into the New Year. If revenues are high enough, this can even allow them to retain part-time helpers and turn them into full-time employees. Talk about giving a gift – you could be helping keep your friends and neighbors employed during the holiday season and beyond!

We’ve all seen the advertisements for extra 2 SHOP LOCAL 2015 | MOUNTAIN TIMES PUBLICATIONS

SUPPORT COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Many of your local small business owners are also community leaders, serving in elected positions over our community boards, city halls and educational institutions. By shopping locally, you are keeping the spirit of civic activism alive through your investment into the success of your local difference-makers. And as long as community leaders are invested in the people around them, more work can be done together to start new businesses and employment opportunities throughout your area.

All Local

BLOWING ROCK

FURNITURE GALLERY

finest in quality, style, and service

$399e Valu

All Handmade

BLACK FRIDAY GIVEAWAY EVENT KSGIVING

AFTER THAN

Doors Open at 7 a.m. Nov. 27

Enter to win a FREE Hickory Rocking Chair Drawing to be held at 5 p.m. Nov. 27

FREE DELIVERY By Bob Meier 585 West King Street • Suite D Boone, NC 28607 Open every day 10am - 6pm www.doeridgepottery.com 828.264.1127

BUY MORE, SAVE MORE $50 OFF PURCHASES OF $500-$999

$100 OFF

PURCHASES OF $1,000-$1,499

$150 OFF

PURCHASES OF $1,500-$1,999

$200 OFF PURCHASES OF $2,000+

BEFORE TAXES, OFFER GOOD THRU 11/30/15, EXCLUSIONS APPLY FREE DELIVERY DURING PROMOTIONAL PERIOD WITHIN 30 MILE RADIUS

Mon.- Sat. 10-6; Sun. 1-5 • 8486 Valley Blvd. (Hwy 321) Blowing Rock, NC (828) 295-7755 • www.blowingrockfurniture.com

SHOP LOCAL 2015 | MOUNTAIN TIMES PUBLICATIONS 3

SHOP LOCAL | GIFT IDEAS

Go with Local Gift Cards

gift card to a massive box store? We think you can do better than that. A gift card to a local exotic pet store? Now we’re talking!

Gift cards are becoming the go-to holiday present for shoppers everywhere. The National Retail Federation says nearly $30 billion will be shelled out for Christmas presents this year. Gift cards are simple, easily available and allow your recipient to buy something he or she actually wants. They can also be extremely thoughtful if you put some energy into buying one.

KNOW YOUR RECIPIENT If you’re considering buying some gift cards as Christmas presents this year, it’s important to know the tastes of who you’re buying for. Does your recipient have a favorite local music shop or furniture store? Then this will be easy!

If you’re not sure where he or she likes to shop locally, consider their hobbies and interests. Gift shops, restaurants, pet stores, jewelry stores – there are numerous locally owned businesses to help you find the perfect gift card for any kind of person on your list.

PERFECT FOR DECORATIONS Maybe you’re considering buying some decorative pieces for your friend’s home or office, but you’re not quite sure if they’ll like what you have in mind. Get them a gift card! You can find local boutiques, florists and specialty shops with a plethora of decorative options for the home – and ones your friend can pick out herself.

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MATCH IT WITH OTHER GIFTS Versatility is one of the signature advantages of going with a gift card for your friends and family members. Let’s say you have an animal-lover in your family and are thinking of buying him a fish tank. You can purchase the tank from your local pet shop and add on a gift card for your recipient to pick out his own fish. The same concept can apply for any coffee fanatics. Select a new coffeemaker from your local coffee store and load a gift card with $20 for your friend to buy her favorite kinds. Recipients love this because it feels like the gift that keeps on giving. Small business owners love it because it’s like two transactions and it brings more traffic back into their store.

20% OFF

Black Friday Sale

Give Yourself the Gift that Keeps on Giving

The Gift of a Good Night's Sleep Friday-Monday Only

A Ite ll Ch ms ris On tm S a as le

Open Friday at 8:00am

Elevate Your Sleep This Christmas Upgrade your ﬂat boxspring to an adjustable base for FREE on all Tempur-Pedic and Latex Mattress Sets

Sale ends 11/30/15. Offers not available in combination of other offers.

Free Boxsprings on all Kingsdown and Southerland Mattresses Plus take an extra $100 oﬀ select sets

11 miles form Boone • 5320 Highway 105 South • Banner Elk, NC Call 828-963-6466 • Mon-Sat: 10:00am until 5:00pm • OPEN ALL YEAR

ift Free Gha se of

with the purc 99 any mattress $5 and over Choose *Free e Sheets, Free Fram or Free Delivery *While supplies

Santa's Hours: Friday 5-7pm & Saturday Noon-4pm

SNOWY MOUNTAIN Christmas Shop & Sweets EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS BEGINNING THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Choose & Cut/ Pre-Cut Christmas Trees & Greenery

Christmas Decorations Homemade Sweets Coffee Shop Ice Cream Treats

Hours: Mon - Sat 9am-7pm Sunday 1-6pm

Hwy 221, Crossnore, NC (828) 737-9313 or (828) 733-9589

Open May-December 2015

Check us out on Facebook

LARGEST Selection

Save up to $1000 on select closeouts, ﬂoor models and Sanitized Mattress Sets Up to 48 month ﬁnancing available* *some restrictions apply, see store for details

last

Locally

OWNED E 2015

Rest Well Live Better 2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: BOONE MALL AND FOSCOE • 828-528-4161 WWW.BLACKBERRYMATTRESS.COM

SHOP LOCAL 2015 | MOUNTAIN TIMES PUBLICATIONS 5

SHOP LOCAL | WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

Make it a Family Experience

f you like to shop with young kids or elderly family members, then the madness that accompanies Black Friday or even Thanksgiving night shopping at major retailers probably isn’t for you.

A stroll down to your friendly downtown establishment for a more laid-back experience may be what you’re looking for this year. Shopping locally provides this. Even in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you are likely to find friendly, personalized service at the local business level. This is because you probably know your small business owner by name and can even tell people about their background. The typical small business in America depends on this kind of connection with its customers. What better way to teach your children about the hard work, communication and store loyalty than by taking them to your favorite local store and talking shop with the owner?

TEACH THE VALUE OF MONEY

Here is shopping exercise to try with your youngsters: • Give them $10 to buy a locally produced, locally sold item for a sibling or friend. • Provide a list of five local businesses from which they are allowed to make their purchase. • Take them to the store and let them pick out the item. • Prompt them to donate the remaining change to any local charity or support effort the business is promoting. • Discuss all of the important lessons that can be learned from the experience, including supporting your local economy, providing more jobs and contributing to causes. Children can learn through your

example of shopping locally. And who knows? You may just be creating another community-minded, small business customer for life.

A BETTER SHOPPING EXPERIENCE If you’re taking an elderly adult out shopping with you this season,

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one of the best options to give them a positive experience is by shopping locally. If they have been in your community for a long period of time, undoubtedly they will run into friends, neighbors or family members while you’re out on the town. Slow down and have a leisurely

morning of shopping. Stop by your local coffeehouse before you make your trek downtown. Take in some conversation while you peruse the aisles of your favorite boutiques. Work together to whittle down your shopping list while also wrapping yourselves up in the spirit of shopping locally for Christmas.

THANKSGIVING SALE AND

WOMEN HELPING WOMEN

1 ctw Diamond Stud Earrings - 14kwg $849 99

Now through November 29th

1/2 ctw Diamond Stud Earrings - 14kwg $449 99

EVENT

Closed Thanksgiving Day

Save up to 75% off the original prices Discount taken off the already reduced prices. Not valid on prior purchases or in conjunction with any other coupon or offer. Some exclusions apply.

Black Friday Special - November 27 th All Blouses & Camisoles $35 - $45

More Deals Throughout the Store Stop in now before the rush. Call or visit us EARLY to avoid the cold lines and save time to spend with your family. Offers available through end of business Black Friday. Closed Thanksgiving. Open Black Friday from 9am-9pm.

TANNER OF BLOWING ROCK & BANNER ELK ARE PROUD TO SPONSOR

New Opportunity School for Women at Lees McRae With every purchase, Tanner will donate an item to a woman in need

161 C Howard St. • Boone, NC (next door to CoBo Sushi Bistro) (828) 386-6190 • www.highcountryjewelry.com

holiday sweaters are here!!! Our elves have been collecting the best & most unique holiday sweaters all year long!

GET FIRST PICK ON BLACK FRIDAY!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! ☮♥☺

everyday is “black friday” at

MENS.WOMEN'S.CONSIGNMENT

Located in the heart of Downtown Boone at the corner of King and Depot St across from Mast General Store

(828) 865-2000

SHOP LOCAL 2015 | MOUNTAIN TIMES PUBLICATIONS 7

SHOP LOCAL | BENEFITS

‘Green’ Impacts

ore cash in your pocket and less trash in the environment: Shopping locally just makes sense across the board.

If you’re looking for ways to achieve both of these objectives this holiday season, start by supporting your local business owners. They’re waiting for with open arms, ready to help you reach your Christmas shopping goals. And they’ve got the deals to prove it.

SAVE CASH

Tis the season to be jolly, not broke! When you embark on a cross-state shopping spree to visit far-away stores, you might as well say goodbye to saving any of your Christmas cash. There’s the gas for travel, the expensive dining for multiple meals and the hotel if you plan on staying somewhere overnight. Compare that experience to finding some

great local deals in your downtown establishment, eating an affordable meal in your favorite local pizza hub and then heading home to wrap your gifts. It’s easy to see which option is both less expensive and less stressful. And shopping locally isn’t just about saving cash, but also about making it stretch further for those around you. More of your money stays local when you spend it in town, meaning your cash is also making more of a difference for your neighbors, friends and family members.

SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT Staying local cuts down on travel for both you and company delivery drivers. This is a double benefit that results in cleaner air and eased traf-

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fic congestion. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, trucks and locomotives are responsible for 25 percent of smog-causing pollution and the majority of the cancer threat posed by air pollution in some areas. Local businesses can help the environment in two ways: • By using local produce, food and products. • By using less packaging than larger chain stores. These actions help keep our local communities more sustainable and keep more unnecessary plastics out of our city landfills. Shopping locally equals green and clean.

Our Christmas gift to you...

30% OFF Storewide! This season cruise clothes only exception. Apparel, gifts, accessories and last season sale items.

Winter Hours: 10- 4 Monday- Saturday Shoppes at Tynecastle • 4501 Tynecastle Hwy. Banner Elk The Dande Lion 898-3566 • Shooz & Shiraz 898-WINE (9463)

BLACK FRIDAY & SATURDAY

sale

ALL CHRISTMAS ITEMS

CREDIT/DEBIT DISCOUNT 35% OR A CASH DISCOUNT 40%

50% OFF!

Bring in this coupon to receive discount off total purchase.

Expires 11/30/15

SWEATERS.COATS .JEANS.SCARVES .JEWELRY

Boone Drug at Deerﬁeld

•Free People •BB Dakota •Hobo

•Johnny Was •Seychelles •Dittos

345 Deerﬁeld Rd | Boone, NC 28607 828.264.3055

www.boonedrug.com

549 West King Street | Boone, NC 28607 | 828.264.4120

SHOP LOCAL 2015 | MOUNTAIN TIMES PUBLICATIONS 9

SHOP LOCAL | TRENDS

Shop Local: By the Numbers

f you’re a business owner, the following statistics could help you in planning your holiday strategies. If you’re a shopper, they could motivate you to carry out even more local purchases this Christmas season.

• Consumers spent an estimated $14.3 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday, 2014 – up 2.1 percent from 2013 (National Federation of Independent Business and American Express). As a consumer, you should do your part to make sure this year’s numbers jump by at least another two percent. Business owners should focus on beating their own personal quotas again this year, as well as on carrying over the Christmas momentum into 2016.

• Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales than chain competitors. Independent restaurants return more than two times as much money per dollar of sales than national restaurant chains (Small Business Administration, United States Department of Labor).

v • 23.6 percent of shoppers Tweet about purchases they’ve made (Twitter). Does your business have a @ handle? If not, the holidays are a great time to create one! Many of your customers use Twitter for connecting with local businesses, friends and family members. You can use the popular platform to interact with your ‘followers’ and

spread the word on upcoming events or promotions. • If just half of the United States employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned indepen-

dent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue (Small Business Administration, United States Department of Labor).

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• Nearly half of consumers plan to buy holiday gifts online this year (Google). If you hope to be relevant as a small business in today’s technology age,

your products and services should be available for online purchase. It’s easy to do and should be a vital part of your commerce strategy.

NOW OPEN IN BLOWING ROCK!

Ten Reasons “Closer Is Better” 1. Local Economic Stimulus. When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the local tax base. 2. Non Profits Receive Greater Support. Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local. 3. Unique Businesses Create Character & Prosperity. The unique character of your local community is defined in large part by the business that reside there, and that plays a big factor in your overall satisfaction with where you live and the value of you home and property.

4. Environmental Impact Is Reduced. Small local business usually set up shop in the town/village center, providing a centralized variety that is much friendlier to a community's walk score than out of town shopping malls. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

1153 Main Street Blowing Rock, NC, 28605 (828) 414-9580

179 King Street Charleston, SC 29401 (843) 694 2445

www.reinertfineart.com

5. Most New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses. Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally. Plus the more jobs you have in your local community the less people are going to have to commute which means more time and less traffic and pollution.

6. Customer Service Is Better. Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service. You are also going to see these people around town and they are less likely to blow you off or be rude becauses they have to face you day after day.

7. Local Businesses Invest In Community. Local businesses are operated by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community's welfare and future.

BOONE’S ORIGINAL BICYCLE SHOP

8. Public Benefits Far Outweigh Public Costs. Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and more efficiently utilize public services relative to chain stores.

n u f t a h w h O ! e d i r o t s i t i

9. Competition And Diversity Leads To More Consumer Choices. A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.

Get your FREE gift certificate for

10. You Matter More. We talk a lot about exerting influence with your purchasing choices, or "voting with your wallet." It's a fact that business respond to their customers but your values and desires are much more influential to you local community business.

To read more about going local check out ecolocalizer.com, a great site that provides news, ideas and inspiration to "Think globally, act locally." Information from the Chamber’s everGREEN Committee.

up to $150 during Boone Bike’s Holiday y Sale! Sale starts Friday, Nov. 27 & Ends Thursday, Dec. 31 For details visit boonebike.com

SHOP LOCAL 2015 | MOUNTAIN TIMES PUBLICATIONS 11

SHOP LOCAL | SHARE YOUR PASSION

Spread the Word

now a great local business? Don’t be silent about it. Small businesses need your help, so open up and help spread the word any time you’re impressed by a locally owned shop.

NOTICE THE DETAILS

In many ways, it’s the small things that make the best local shops stand out. They might greet their frequent customers by name, stock products that no other stores offer, donate their time and money to worthy local causes and provide a more unique shopping experience that the cookiecutter chain stores can’t match. Look for these things when you’re out shopping, and let your friends know when you find them. You’ll be helping your friends out and doing your part to keep your favorite businesses open and thriving.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest have opened new doors for spreading the word about your favorite businesses. In fact, online is where a lot of word-of-mouth marketing happens these days as friends share and photograph their everyday shopping trips — for better or worse. If you run across a local business that’s doing a great job, snap a picture or write a post about it. A few good words on social media can have a positive impact for

the “shop local” movement in your community.

IT MATTERS Studies have shown that buyers trust recommendations from their friends and

family far more than they do messages from strangers. Your opinion carries a lot of weight with the people you know, so you can play a big role in helping people avoid the bad shops and flock to

12 SHOP LOCAL 2015 | MOUNTAIN TIMES PUBLICATIONS

the good ones. So this Christmas, don’t do your shopping in a communications vacuum. Look for the best products and experiences in your community this holiday season

and share them with the people around you. Your friends — and some small-business owners — will thank you.

Entire Stock Under Armour Big Logo Hoodies

25% OFF

Men • Women • Youth Black Friday through Sunday Only

Many More Black Friday Specials Throughout the Store

A BOONE TRADITION SINCE 1992

Up To

40%

25%

OFF

Select Jewelry, Apparel & Boots

Any 1 Regular Priced Item Valid 11/27-11/28 only. Limit one coupon per customer per visit

(828) 263-7305 • 617 West King Street • boonebelles.com

Boone Mall

Your one-stop shop for keeping it local.

to receive

15% to 40%

10 off

everything in the store, sale items included!

Mention or bring in this ad for discount. Friday thru Monday, Nov. 27th-30th

purchase 693 West King Street | 828.264.0302 Mon - Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm WWW.LUCKYPENNYBOONE.COM

244 D Shadowline Drive, Boone 828.263.8181 • www.SavoryThymes.com

SHOP LOCAL 2015 | MOUNTAIN TIMES PUBLICATIONS 13

SHOP LOCAL | DO YOUR PART

Join a Local Movement

t’s easier than ever to find a local movement supporting the act of shopping locally. Joining one is even easier.

In most cases, the best way to show love for your local business is to buy from them. And the holidays are a great time to give back to your small business community by spending your hard-earned dollars there. But what happens when you go beyond the purchase? How much can you achieve by becoming an actual voice in the conversation promoting the act of shopping locally into the mainstream?

JOIN THE MISSION

Community-focused organizations like Independent We Stand or the Small Business Administration are continually seeking volunteers to help get the word out on their efforts. The websites of both organizations offer guidance on how to become involved in their activities. Choosing to devote your time or resources toward the overall growth of the small business landscape can have a big impact on your community.

CITY & TOWN MOVEMENTS

Many of the nation’s largest cities – and small ones in between – have put together strong ‘shop local’ campaigns to motivate and mobilize their community members. These initiatives can range from a simple one-day event or a fullfledged, year-long effort to publicize the importance of shopping locally during the holiday season. Does your community sponsor a small business board in addition to its chamber of commerce? Do you have opportunities to promote your

favorite small businesses to your own customers, partners or management teams?

BECOME AN ADVOCATE If there are no major movements in your area, you can still become an advocate for your favorite local shop. And you can do so in creative ways.

14 SHOP LOCAL 2015 | MOUNTAIN TIMES PUBLICATIONS

Many national organizations conduct large-scale contests to award the most innovative small businesses across the country. Grant money, new equipment or free advertising can be among the prizes doled out for winning entries. Be on the lookout for such promotions and alert your small business owners when you find one. You can also take your message or

positive purchasing experience to social media. This is another way of promoting your favorite small business to the masses. Authentic, unforced customer referrals can be the best form of advertising for a small business, so share often.

Think Globally... ...Shop Locally!!

Offering a Wide Variety of

NOW OPEN!!

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8-year Anniversary

Local Handmade Crafts Fair-Trade Items from Around the World

828.386.4241 1864 Old Hwy 421 South, Ste. A • Boone, NC WildlifeUnlimitedHunting.com store@wildlifeunlimitedhunting.com

Reusable Food Ware & Bottles Natural Baby Products & Toys for All Ages

GREEN Friday Store-Wide SALE Nov.27 Small Business Saturday Sale Nov. 28

Mention this ad and SAVE 15% on your entire purchase!

Green Mother Goods 196 Boone Heights Drive

SALE-A-BRATION

Dec. 6 & 7 Deals, Doorprizes, Music & Draw-Your-Own Discounts

828.263.7010

(next to Bella’s Italian & the Wellness Center)

Helping Make Christmas Special for 30 Years

Holiday Hours 9am-6pm Mon.-Sat. 205 Pineola St., Newland, NC (828)733-0186 Like us on

COUPON VALID NOVEMBER 27 & 28, 2015 ONLY. NOT VALID ON SPECIAL ORDERS, SALE OR RED TAGGED MERCHANDISE OR ON PREVIOUS PURCHASES. COUPON MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED. ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER PER STORE VISIT, PLEASE.

SHOP LOCAL 2015 | MOUNTAIN TIMES PUBLICATIONS 15

速

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