This Holiday Season Shop Local

Shop Local THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

by Kelly Murray

by Contributing Writer

The holiday season can seem like it’s all about shopping, and it is easy to get overwhelmed with sales flyers, doorbuster deals, free shipping, and online offers, especially from large, nationwide chains. No matter what you need or want to • Find more unique, one-of-a-kind options that aren’t available to everyone who has internet access or buy, however, if you shop local this holiday season, you will get far more than just your visits a big box retailer. purchase. And every penny you spend benefits many more people than just your family and friends. This year it is especially important to make the effort and help our local • You are able to help more local businesses as they try and recover. businesses since the business owners you purchase from are more likely WHY SHOPPING LOCAL FOR you buy local, you can get the item to shop local themselves for all their THE HOLIDAYS IS IMPORTANT? immediately personal and business While it is true that an online selection might be larger and possibly less expensive than local stores (depending with no delays for shipping or problems en WHEN YOU BUY LOCAL, YOU CAN needs. It creates a great community! Local business owners on shipping costs that can inflate prices), a purchase at a local store is much more route. There is nothing worse GET THE ITEM are the ones who support local charities than just a purchase. When you shop local, you… than your package arriving IMMEDIATELY that rely on local donations. This is • Support jobs in your community so too late for your holiday plans. WITH NO DELAYS unlike larger retailers that are more likely more employees earn paychecks they can use for their families and friends as well as their own bills and necessities. • Develop relationships with business FOR SHIPPING OR PROBLEMS EN ROUTE. to donate to national charities and those donations usually do • Enjoy higher quality items as well as owners that can not help more personalized customer service. lead to even better customer service Denton County. • This year, as we know, has caused for special deals, unique orders, and UNIQUE PLACES TO SHOP major delays in postal service. When personal recommendations. LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Shopping local means more than just • Garden centers and nurseries for visiting big box stores and nationwide holiday plants, outdoor tools, bird chains in your community. True local feeders, and more shopping means trying out one-of-a- • Art galleries that feature unique work kind small businesses and searching for from local artists as well as other artmore unique shopping options that can themed gifts be pleasantly surprising with the wide variety of • Spas and salons for merchandise, DON’T OVERLOOK locally crafted soaps, bath gifts, and bombs, and other indulgent services they GIFT CARDS items offer. Great options to AND GIFT • Farms for fresh local produce, honey, and craft investigate for your CERTIFICATES FROM items with a rustic, nostalgic touch local holiday shopping include… LOCAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS. • Local craft breweries for all sorts of local handcrafted items and gifts • Niche and • Thrift stores for a wide range of items boutique shops for clothes, crafts, gift at discount prices that often items, and many other unique options support charities • Local bakeries are a great place to pick up gift items and also add something special to your own holiday dining plans.

In addition to local shops for unique gift items, don’t overlook gift cards and gift certificates from local service professionals. If you aren’t sure what gift to buy this holiday season, a gift certificate for a future haircut at a local salon, a massage at a local spa, the next oil change at a local mechanic, or even holiday cleanup from a local cleaning service can be the perfect option. By shopping local, you not only give a gift to the recipient, but you also give a gift to the local business where you purchased it from and also to your community as a whole. And our goal here is to always inspire you to Live Life Local!