2013 Daily Courier Shop Local For The Holidays

SEVEN RE ASONS TO

SHOP

LOCAL

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Page 2 — The Daily Courier, Wednesday, November 27, 2013 • www.thedigitalcourier.com

1 Reason no.

LOCAL SHOPPING

sTaTs

52% of Revenue is ReciRculaTed locally by independenT businesses

A 2012 study in Salt Lake City, Utah showed that more than half of local, independent retailers’ revenue is recirculated in the local economy. In comparison, less than 14 percent of national chain stores’ revenue was recirculated locally, the study showed. By keeping more money close to home, the smaller, locally based firms can play a big role in growing your local economy.

aA Gift giftfor for your yourcity city

hile you’re making your list and checking it W Wtwice this holiday season, don’t forget to include hile you’re making your list and checking it twice this holiday season, don’t forget to include your local independent business owners. They’re not asking for much this year, just a little support. And you’d be smart to give it.

A substantially larger percentage of your hard-earned money stays in your community when you choose to shop locally for Christmas instead of leaving the area.

Recent studies have shown that as much as $75 of every $100 you spend at a locally owned businesses remains in your area, versus $40 at non-locally owned establishments.

This number, in most cases, drops to zero dollars when you buy online.

your local independent business owners. They’re not asking for much this year, just a little support. And you’d be smart to give it. puT youR Money To WoRK

More money staying local means increased funding for A substantially percentage your hardthe schools, hospitals, and larger roads that you and your of friends, family and co-workers dependin on.your community when you earned money stays Since local ownersfor hireChristmas local workersinstead – about of leaving choose tobusiness shop locally half of all private sector workers are employed in small the area. businesses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – Recent have shown that as much money for taxesstudies and wages stays in the community, too. as $75 of With statistics linked so closely to evervolatile y $100unemployment you spend at a locally owned businesses theremains success orinfailure small versus businesses, locally owned yourofarea, $40shopping at non-locally can actually make a positive impact on a national level.

establishments.

This number, in most cases, drops to zero dollars Wins when youeveRybody buy online.

Small business owners are also more likely to make social investments in the community by volunteering at their child’s school, donating to charities and hosting fundraiser events.

More money staying local means increased funding Doing so allows these entrepreneurs to integrate themfor the their schools, hospitals, that you selves into communities and and makeroads it known that theyand your arefriends, receptivefamily and sensitive to the needsdepend of those on. around and co-workers them.Since local business owners hire local workers – From little league teams to theater groups, small business about half of all private sector workers are employed owners are quick to offer their sponsorship and money to in support small businesses, help local groups. according to the Bureau of Labor

PUT YOUR MONEY TO WORK

Statistics – money for taxes and wages stays in the community, too.

Ripple effecT

Small business owners have a tendency to buy supplies SEE CITY/PAGE 3 locally and to use local services for their business needs.

When an independent business owner requires accounting services or help with building repairs, they are more likely to spend their money on local accountants or contractors, respectively.

Rutherfordton Merchants Association Presents Rutherfordton's connection When youCelebrating shop local, your money helps catalyze the circulation of money through your area.

It also strengthens to Pforzhein, Germany, your community’s economic foundation and helps enhance Hometown of Christopher Bechtler it for years to come.

a holiday market

December 7th, 11-4 Christmas Fair in Downtown Rutherfordton

• Unique shopping • German Fare and Beverages served by local restaurants • Music • Historic Walking Tours 11 am to 1 pm Starting at the County Annex Building

• Christmas Parade

Spindale Family Laser & Cosmetic Center Hair Removal Spider Vein Removal Skin Rejuvenation Botox Chemical Peels © FotoLIA / AP

Call for a FREE Consultation!

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

286-3072

166 Reservation Drive www.spindalefamily.com

The Daily Courier, Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — Page 3

FROM PAGE 2

of those around them.

From little league teams to theater groups, small business owners are quick to offer their sponsorship and money to help support local groups.

With volatile unemployment statistics linked so closely to the success or RIPPLE EFFECT failure of small businesses, shopping Small business owners have a tenlocally can actually make a positive dency to buy supplies locally and to use impact on a national level. local services for their business needs.

When an independent business EVERYBODY WINS owner requires accounting ser vices Small business owners are also or help with building repairs, they more likely to make social investments are more likely to spend their money in the community by volunteering at on local accountants or contractors, their child’s school, donating to chari- respectively.

When you shop local, your money ties and hosting fundraiser events.

Doing so allows these entrepreneurs helps catalyze the circulation of money to integrate themselves into their com- through your area. It also strengthens munities and make it known that they your community’s economic foundation are receptive and sensitive to the needs and helps enhance it for years to come.

King’s Court Steakhouse Features....

• Steaks grilled-to-order • Fresh Soup & Salad Bar • Homemade Appetizers & Desserts Open Wed-Sun

Central St.

CITY

Main St.

W. Court St.

King’s Court Steakhouse 151 N. Central Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Phone 828-288-3630 Copyright 2013. All rights reserved

Page 4 — The Daily Courier, Wednesday, November 27, 2013 • www.thedigitalcourier.com

Go Unique

2 Reason no.

LOCAL SHOPPING

sTaTs

70% GReaTeR local economic impacT

A 2004 study in Andersonville, Ind. showed that, per square foot of space, local firms had 70 percent greater local economic impact than chain firms. By sourcing more of their supplies and products from local vendors, employing local people and keeping their profit close to home, these businesses contribute more to the local economy.

Go Unique WW

e all know them. They are the people who e all know them. They are the people who own everything andand writewrite nothingnothing in particular own oneone ofofeverything in on their Christmas lists. particular on their Christmas lists.

an artist near you not only helps validate his or They possess every movie, flaunt the newest Practical gifts like snow sh her creative endeavor but also gives your recipijewelry and have read each book from the New cozy gloves are also viable op ent is a one-of-a-kind gift.

York Times best possess sellers list.

Finding a gift flaunt for an also immediate during They ever y movie, them nearly impossible – unless endeavor but gives impact your recipiPut a little extra thought into the present by them is nearly impossible – unless you integrate months. the newest jewelr y and have read youtracking integrate a little creativity into ent a one-of-a-kind gift. down the artist for a signature and pera little creativity into your gift-giving strategy. each book from the New Times your gift-giving strategy.

Put a little extra thought into the sonalized message.

Local businesses are hotbeds forYork the unique best sellers list.

Finding a gift for Local businesses are hotbeds for present by tracking down the ar tist and eclectic items that are sure to make a lasting you’re thinking of mesopting the unique and eclectic items that are for a signatureIfand personalized impression on that hard-to-buy-for person in card, consider your options. I your life. sure to make a lasting impression on sage. one from an out-of-town esta Pottery, paintings, garden supplies and more that hard-to-buy-for person in your online conglomerate, instead can be found just a few blocks away at your life. What if you could find a gift that will provide the box – and the box store. downtown establishment.

Potter y, enjoyment, paintings, garden supplies years of as well as a feeling of perWhat better to suppor What if you could findway a gift that pride in be a job well done? andsonal more can found just a few ness community then by pur will provide years of enjoyment, as Well, browse the downtown aisles of your local hardware icate from your regional golf blocks away at your estabSTANDARD “Tristen” Local artists PIEDMONT STANDARD “Reaction” well as a feeling of personal pride in store and you will be in luck. make great sources for unique or car detail shop?

QUEEN IRON BEDChristmas 2-TONE SOFAand theirQUEEN BED be lishment. a job well done?

Unique tool sets and do-it-yourself birdhouse presents, work UPH. can often Gift cards are always popu 87521 HB/FB 87522 Rails 6200 in storefront 99001 HB 99002 FB/Rails kits will have your handy friend or family memfound on display windows. a localized willofmake Well, browse the spin aisles yourthe ber chomping at the bit for springtime.local hardware Buying a painting, craft, or pottery piece from evenstore for the person alrea and you who will be

GiFT caR

DanDY GiFTs FoR THe HanDY

DANDY GIFTS FOR THE HANDY

GeT aRTisTic

$199.99

$199.99

$199.99

Join us and we will be giving town t-shirt’s and 10% off coupons to the first 30 people.

828-245-4563 207 E. MAIN ST. • FOREST CITY, NC 28043 Hours: 9am - 6pm Mon - Sat Kimbrell’s offers 3 convenient ways to fi nance.

Visit our website for other great specials available all month long. www.kimbrells.com

GET ARTISTIC

Local ar tists make great sources for unique Christmas presents, and their work can often be found on display in storefront windows.

Buying a painting, craft, or potter y piece from an artist near you not only helps validate his or her creative

in luck.

Unique tool sets and do-it-yourself birdhouse kits will have your handy friend or family member chomping at the bit for springtime.

SEE UNIQUE/PAGE 5

www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — Page 5

UNIQUE FROM PAGE 4

Practical gifts like snow shovels, warm hats, or cozy gloves are also viable options and will make an immediate impact during those snowy winter months.

GIFT CARDS If you’re thinking of opting for the trusty gift card, consider your options. Instead of buying one from an out-of-town establishment or online conglomerate, instead think outside of the box – and the box store.

What better way to support your local business community then by purchasing a gift certificate from your regional golf course, barber, gym or car detail shop?

Gift cards are always popular, but giving them a localized spin will make them a guaranteed hit even for the person who already has everything.

BLACK FRIDAY SALE 1 Year Basic Membership $ 199.99

1 Year Select Membership $329.99

One Day Only November 29th Must be Paid In Full at time of purchase.

(828) 248-2947 • 247 Oak Street LifestyleWellnessSpa.com

Page 6 — The Daily Courier, Wednesday, November 27, 2013

3 Reason no.

LOCAL SHOPPING

sTaTs

$326 peR 1,000 squaRe feeT in Tax impacT

FOREST CITY 720 S. Church St. 828-245-7274

CAROLEEN HWY 221A 828-657-5353

According to a 2002 study in Barnstable, Mass., big-box retailers can cost cities more in services than they generate in revenue. But specialty retail shops — the kind that make up the Main Streettype business district in many communities — generate significantly more tax revenue than they cost to service.

They produce a net return of $326 per year for every 1,000 square feet, the study showed. The difference comes from how much more road wear and public safety services large businesses require.

sa

Save money

SS

hopping hopping locally, helps you cut tend toyou buy get h just what you need.

Keeping local owners in business also fo This helps cut entrepreneurial landscape that will in the l quality while decreasing costs. on the As down local businesses grow, clutter so grows their more products and improve their service, a – and the wrapping expense to the consumer.

– once you get no also GimmicKs home, but Local shops are focused less on the meg one, get-one promotions actually can lessens the that impact the long run. But this doesn’t mean they ar of giving ondeals. your wallet.

Many local shops provide discounts to t nearby, helping you save money instead of Keeping in business tourist taxes thatlocal someowners out-of-town establi also fosters a competitive entreprecharge. neurial landscape thatboast will inprice-matc the long Some local businesses run improve quality while decreasing well. Ask your local owners if they are willi costs. you find at other businesses. Their answer Asyou local businesses and help save money. grow, so grows

their ability to create more products and improve their ser vice, all at a lower expense to the consumer.

smaLL Business sa

Spearheaded by American Express in 20 Saturday has rapidly entrenched itself into ping tradition landscape.

Local shops are focused less on The nationally recognized movement to the mega deals and buy-one, get-one shop small businesses was created as a cou promotions that actually can cost Friday and Cyber Monday and has quickly you more in the long run. But this traction. doesn’t mean they aren’t in the busiLast year, more than 100 million shoppe ness of giving deals. initiative, which features discounts, giveaw Many local shops provide distions from some participating establishme counts tofor those who Nov. live 30. nearby, event is slated Saturday,

NO GIMMICKS

helping you save money instead of paying more in tourist taxes that some out-of-town establishments may charge.

You aren’t likely to find quota-driven sal Someat local businesses boast price-bu every corner your local independent matching programs, as well.sale, Asksm Less dependent on the one-time your local owners ifabout they are willing yo ers are more concerned providing to match deals youbecause find at other shopping experiences they busidepen nesses.

Their answer surprise business to keep their doorsmay open. you – andChristmas help you save money.at crow And unlike shopping

no pRessuRe

malls, you are more likely to receive one-o 7 local shops. SoSEE fillMONEY/PAGE out that customer feedb plete that online questionnaire. Your opini

www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — Page 7

MONEY FROM PAGE 6

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Spearheaded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday has rapidly entrenched itself into the holiday shopping tradition landscape.

The nationally recognized movement to celebrate and shop small businesses was created as a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday and has quickly gained progressive traction.

L a s t y e a r, m o r e than 100 million shoppers supported the initiative, which features discounts, giveaways and promotions from some par ticipating establishments.

This year’s event is slated for Saturday, Nov. 30.

NO PRESSURE You aren’t likely to find quota-driven salespeople around ever y corner at your local independent business.

Less dependent on the one-time sale, small business owners are more concerned about providing you with positive shopping experiences because they depend on your repeat business to keep their doors open.

And unlike Christmas shopping at crowded out-of-town malls, you are more likely to r eceive one-on-one attention at local shops. So fill out that customer feedback card and complete that online questionnaire. Your opinions can make a longter m impact on local businesses.

DON CASTER OUTLET555 Through December 3SE

thanksgiving sale Early Bird Specials

Through November 30th Each morning until Noon

Valid in any Doncaster Outlet store. Not valid on prior purchases and some exclusions apply.

Gift With Purchase Purchase $250 or more, receive a silk scarf and compact mirror. Purchase $500 or more, receive a silk scarf, compact mirror and Doncaster umbrella.

While supplies last thru December 3rd

214 Fashion Circle Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Off Hwy. 221 on Rock Road

828-287-3637 — or —

28-287-3573

All stores will be closed Thanksgiving Day, November 28th

Where prior season fashions create current season looks.

Doncaster Never Goes Out Of Style!

Page 8 — The Daily Courier, Wednesday, November 27, 2013 • www.thedigitalcourier.com

4

feel needed Feel needed

Reason no.

LOCAL SHOPPING

sTaTs

65% of new jobs cReaTed by small businesses

The vast majority of new jobs are created by small businesses, meaning those with fewer than 500 employees. According to the United States Small Business Administration, 65 percent of America’s new jobs in the past 17 years have been created by small businesses.

In fact, small businesses make up 99.7 percent of all employer firms in the United States, the SBA says.

L L ocal business owners treat you with

ocal business owners treat you with respect and kindness because they need your support. Your money keeps their dreams alive, their families fed and their lights on.

respect and kindness because they need your support.

It also helps fuel their innovation — an attribute that we depend on from small business owners to help our communities become better places to work, play and stay.

Local owners are quick to converse with you and ask about your Youraremoney life because they genuinelykeeps their dreams their about families interestedalive, in learning theirfed and their lights customers. on. It also helps fuel their innovation Gaining understating —a better an attribute that of we depend on from their target audience helps owners owners to help our comsmall business improve their services, which in munities become better places to work, turn boosts their bottom line.

play and stay.

Local owners are quick to conReTuRn verse with you and ask about your life because they are genuinely interested THe faVoR about Since itinis learning better to give thantheir to customers.

Gaining a better understating of receive, reciprocate the appreciation by getting know your local theirtotarget audience helps owners owners byimprove name andtheir tell them that services, which in turn you appreciate what they’re doing boosts their bottom line. for your community.

A positive word of encouragement can go a long way toward boosting the confidence of small Since it is better to give than to business owners, many of whom receive, reciprocate are nurturing their goals one day at the appreciation a time. by getting to know your local owners Friendly a cornerstone bybanter nameis and tell them that you appreof downtown America and is what ciate what they’re doing for your comhelps set small businesses apart in munity. the realm of quality customer serA positive word of encouragement vice.

RETURN THE FAVOR

can go a long way toward boosting the confidence of small business owners,build many of whom are nurturing their © FoTolIA / AP goals one day at a time. downtown America and is what helps to both the employer and customer RelaTionsHiPs banter is a cornerstone of set small businesses apart in the realm experience.

It is alwaysFriendly a good idea to cultipizza establishment, you are know that could spark new business vate and maintain positive relationneTwoRK of quality customer service. opportunities for your enterprise. unknowingly building and ships with those who need you most.

Whether you’re enjoying a friendly chit-chat with your favorite barista at your local coffeehouse or catching up with your regular server at the downtown

CELL PHONES, TABLETS REPAIRS, REPROGRAMING/ FLASHING

MON-FRI: 10-6

WED : 10-5

SAT: 10-1

NETWORK

Shopping locally can also help Small business owners can advancing relationships. you and your career. Hand over appreciate the benefits of networkThese interactions will make your business card while discussing Shopping locally can also help ing, because they use it as a critical future shopping visits more conver- the weather with your local busiIt is always a good idea to cultivate you and your career. Hand over your tool to promote their services and sational and enjoyable and will add ness owners. and maintain positive relationships business card while expand their reach.discussing You can do thethe You never know what services value to both the employer and cusneedmay you most. weather with your local business same. need or who they may tomer experience. with those who they

828-289-9978 1-877-404-4255 TOLL FREE

121 W. MAIN STREET FOREST CITY, NC

WWW.GADGETCONNECTIONSTORE.COM

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

Whether you’re enjoying a friendly chit-chat with your favorite barista at your local cof feehouse or catching up with your regular ser ver at the downtown pizza establishment, you are unknowingly building and advancing relationships.

These interactions will make future shopping visits more conversational and enjoyable and will add value

owners.

You never know what ser vices they may need or who they may know that could spark new business opportunities for your enterprise.

Small business owners can appreciate the benefits of networking, because they use it as a critical tool to promote their ser vices and expand their reach. You can do the same.

www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — Page 9

5 Reason no.

Don’t be Don’t beaastranger strange T

here is no place like home, so why would you choose to leave it for Christmas shopping?

By spending your time and money shopping locally, you are more likely to run into friends, family, co-workers and past acquaintances, allowing you to enjoy the Christmas spirit around those you love.

Both behind the counter and in the aisles, you will probably know more people within your local businesses in comparison to the stores 60 miles away.

Familiar faces and friendly chats help enrich the already exciting experience of Christmas shopping.

LOCAL SHOPPING

sTaTs

1,838 Miles a caRRoT will TRavel befoRe geTTing To youR Table

According to a 2003 study conducted in Iowa, a carrot from conventional sources will travel 1,838 miles before reaching the dinner table. The same carrot grown locally would travel just 27 miles. While this is an extreme example, it shows how small businesses that source more of their inventory from local suppliers can have a big, positive impact on the environment because of less fuel use and lower emissions from transportation.

HIRING LOCAL

Generally, local businesses hire people who are from the area, creating a strong connection of familiarity and trust between workers and customers.

You are more than just another can give you detailed information about number in the customer count when GET A HISTORY LESSON their buildings or the services that used you visit a local business. Your patronThe next time you are per using to be offeredto through it because age here mattersis to no owners and employplace like home, why would leave it forthey Ch through so a downtown business,you ask choose ees because your dollars keep them yourself if you know the history of the are privy to past records and business documentation. locally, you ar employed. shopping? By spending your building youtime are in. and money shopping Workers at all organizational levels Shopping locally doesn’t just No? Odds are the owner does. likely to run intoworkers, friends, family,business co-workers past – owners, managers, full-time enhance the acquaintances, local economy. It can alsoa Independent owners areand and enjoy part-timers, alikeChristmas – are depending spirit increase your knowledge of your suroften excellent sources for local his-love. to the around those you on your business. tor y and interesting anecdotes. They roundings.

T you

number in the customer count Both behind the counter and in when you visit a local business. Your the aisles, you will probably know more people within your local busi- patronage matters to owners and It’s never to toothe early to pass on the because your dollars employees nesses in comparison stores values that drive you to shop keep local them employed.

60 miles away. Familiar faces and and support your neighbors.

Workers at all organizational levfriendly chats help enrich the Your experience sons, daughters, nieces and managers, full-time els – owners, already exciting of nephews will earn money workers, and shop and part-timers, alike – are Christmas shopping. for themselves one day, and depending they may on your business.

TEACH THE KIDS

even be future small business own-

HiRing local ers.

TeacH THe KiDs

Generally, local businesses hire for the shopBringing them along It’s never too early to pass on the people who from area, crepingare trip to the your favorite downtown values that drive you to shop local ating a strong connection of familstore will give them a great underand support your neighbors. iarity and trust between workers standing of the benefits of spendYour sons, daughters, nieces and and customers. ingmore money and may nephews spark anwill earn money and shop You are thanlocally just another

entrepreneurial spirit within them.

for themselves one day, and they may even be future small business owners.

Bringing them along for the shopping trip to your favorite downtown store will give them a great understanding of the benefits of spending money locally and may spark an entrepreneurial spirit within them.

geT a HisToRy lesson

The next time you are perusing through a downtown business, ask

yourself if you know the building you are No? Odds are the o Independent busin are often excellent so local history and inte dotes. They can give information about th or the services that u offered through it be are privy to past reco ness documentation Shopping locally d enhance the local ec also increase your kn your surroundings.

Page 10 — The Daily Courier, Wednesday, November 27, 2013 • www.thedigitalcourier.com

6 Reason no.

LOCAL SHOPPING

sTaTs

Twice as much ChaRiTable giving fRom small fiRms

A 1991 study examined charitable donations from businesses and found something surprising: Companies with fewer than 100 employees gave an average of $789 per employee. That’s compared with just $334 per employee at firms with more than 500 employees. It’s another reason why shopping at small, locally owned firms can help your community.

10% off all Recliners Now thru December 7th!

slow Down Slow down

is the season to be jolly, not stressed, T T frenzied, or road-raged. Trade in the hustle

is the season to be jolly, not stressed, frenzied, or road-raged. Trade in the hustle and bustle of long car rides and over-packed malls for relaxing stroll through your favorite downtown business.

The benefits of slowing things down over the holidays can improve your health, well-being, and overall mood, especially when schedules are at their fullest.

The less time you spend traveling great distances and drudging through hoards of shoppers, the more time you will be able to enjoy with your family around the fireplace.

So maybe it’s time to focus less on leaving the area and take advantage of the calming convenience of shopping local.

and bustle of long car rides and over-packed malls for a relaxing stroll through your favorite downtown business.

TaKe iT easY The benefits of slowing things down

Do you really want to spend multiple holidays improve your hours ofover your the weekend insidecan a car?

How health, inwell-being, and overall about standing long lines waiting for a mood, when schedules harried especially cashier to ring up your order? are at their Localfullest. businesses won’t delay your service or make it seemingly to traveling The less timeimpossible you spend find a parking spot. There won’t be any great distances and drudging through fights for shopping carts or that under-prohoards either. of shoppers, the more time you duced product, willlocal be able to enjoy your family Instead, businesses offerwith a more laid-back experience centered on quality around the fireplace. customer service and friendly conversaSo maybe it’s time to focus less on tions. leaving the area and take advantage of Local owners are invested in creating calmingexperiences convenience of shopping positive,the memorable for all local. customers, and this means fostering lowstress, no-hassle shopping environments.

TAKE IT EASY WalK, Don’T DRive Do you really want to spend multiple

Staying in the for weekend your Christmas hours ofarea your inside a car? shopping could be good for both your walHow about standing in long lines waitlet and your waistline. a harried ring up your If youing livefor close enoughcashier to local to businesses –order? and if you don’t mind the chilly weather – walk ride your bikewon’t to thedelay your Localor businesses store. The locations sercentral vice or make of it downtown seemingly imposbusinesses helps provide a hub of shopping activity that requires only a short stroll down the sidewalk to shop door-todoor.

Mixing in a little physical activity as opposed to spending hours in your car or extended periods of time on escalators, will aid in burning calories and improving your overall health.

And better health is a gift we all deserve.

RECLINER CENTER “Servingg You Since 1986”

• Sofa Reclinerss • Children Recliners 828-287-7782 8 • Loveseats • Spring Air Mon - Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-2 Mattresses Owners • Lift Chairs Owners: J.D. and Marie Shook • Over 200 520 Coopers Gap RD 52 Recliners Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Ruth We proudly support products that are made in the USA!

sible to find a parking spot. There won’t be any fights for shopping carts or that under-produced product, either.

Instead, local businesses of fer a more laid-back experience centered on quality customer ser vice and friendly conversations.

Local owners are invested in creating positive, memorable experiences for all customers, and this means fostering lowstress, no-hassle shopping environments.

WALK, DON’T DRIVE Staying in the area for your Christmas shopping could be good for both your wallet and your waistline.

If you live close enough to local businesses – and if you don’t mind the c h i l l y weather — walk or ride your bike to the store. The central locations of downtown businesses helps provide a hub of shopping activity that requires only a short stroll down the sidewalk to shop door-to-door.

Mixing in a little physical activity as opposed to spending hours in your car

or extended periods of time on escalators, will aid in burning calories and improving your overall health.

And better health is a gift we all deserve.

www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Wednesday, November 27, 2013 — Page 11

7 Reason no.

LOCAL SHOPPING

sTaTs

$137 million

In economIc ImpacT cReaTed by moRe local shoppIng A 2008 study in Grand Rapids, Mich., concluded that just a 10 percent shift in spending toward local businesses would add $137 million and 1,600 jobs to the local economy. Spending more money at small, locally owned businesses is a great way to help grow your city’s economy and help it thrive financially.

helpthe the planet planet Help SS

hopping locally not only saves you money in the long run, but it also helps lessen your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of gas and packaging required to complete the cycle of product development to purchase.

hopping locally not only saves you money in the long run, but it also helps lessen your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of gas and less TRaVel packaging required to complete the cycle of product development to purchase.

The connection between smart shopping and sustainability is strong, especially over the holiday season when massive amounts of shoppers are visiting stores across the world.

While you’re focusing on the perfect gift for that special someone, don’t forget the health of the environment and the shape you want to leave it for future generations.

Staying local obviously cuts down on travel for both you and delivery drivers, a twofold benefit that means less carbon, pollution and traffic 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.

Buying more locally produced products can help us refine our air and optimize our health.

less pacKagIng

LocalThe businesses help the environment connection between smartby shopping and sustainability is stocking local produce and food and also by strong, especially over the holiday season when massive amounts using less packaging than larger chain estabof shoppers are visiting stores across the world. lishments.

Whilemake you’re on the perfect gift for that special someThis helps ourfocusing local communities moreone, sustainable and keeps hard-to-breakdon’t forget the health of the environment and the shape you downwant plastics out ofitour to leave forlandfills. future generations.

Local businesses depend less on packaging because their food is fresh and their products are locally produced, lessening the distance and packaging required to maintain quality.

LESS TRAVEL

Staying local obviously cuts down on travel for both you and delivery

sToRe placemenT SEE PLANET/PAGE 12

Local establishments, compared to large businesses and huge shopping centers, often set up shop in town or city centers instead of developing in the outer parts of town.

Successful shops re-invest into their local downtowns, helping create walkable, revitalized areas for shoppers of all ages to enjoy.

Centralized locations that require less travel to reach also help to decrease sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss and air and water pollution.

Ace Equipment is your one stop boot shop!

Unique Christmas Shopping

126 Park Ln. Dr. • Rutherfordton, NC 28139 • 286-9781

The Gallery

Christmas Sale going now

Featuring Fine American Hand Made Crafts Local and Regional Artists Pottery • Glass • Jewelry • Ornaments Expert Custom Framing 181 N. Main St. • Rutherfordton • 828-287-5647 Gift Certificates Available

© Fotol

Page 12 — The Daily Courier, Wednesday, November 27, 2013 • www.thedigitalcourier.com

PLANET FROM PAGE 11

drivers, a two-fold benefit that means less carbon, pollution and traffic congestion.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, trucks and locomotives are responsible for 25 percent of smogcausing pollution and the majority of the cancer threat posed by air pollution in some areas.

Buying more locally produced products can help us refine our air and optimize our health.

LESS PACKAGING Local businesses help the environment by stocking local produce and food and also by using less packaging than larger chain establishments. and their products are locally proThis helps make our local communi- duced, lessening the distance and packties more sustainable and keeps hard- aging required to maintain quality. to-break-down plastics out of our landfills.

STORE PLACEMENT Local businesses depend less on Local establishments, compared to packaging because their food is fresh

large businesses and huge shopping centers, often set up shop in town or city centers instead of developing in the outer parts of town.

Successful shops re-invest into their local downtowns, helping create walk-

able, revitalized areas for shoppers of all ages to enjoy.

Centralized locations that require less travel to reach also help to decrease sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss and air and water pollution.