“Shop Local”. It’s a buzz phrase we’ve gotten used to hearing But what does it really mean? And why is it even more important this holiday season? in our neighborhoods, keeping in mind that most of these businesses are purchasing the ingredients for their menus from these local farmers. It’s taking a look at our shopping and buying habits when it comes to clothing, office and school supplies, sneakers, furniture, tablecloths, paint, toys, books, linens and seasonal décor. It’s recognizing that when you make a purchase or hire someone to perform a service (think landscaping, plumbing, haircuts and your medical prescription), you are helping the trickledown effect of the economy. If it’s hard to believe that your dollars can make a difference, realize that when you shop local, your support reaches beyond the business located in the shop. It extends to the architect who designed the building, the developer who built it, the electrician that installed
the lighting, the interior designer who decorated the shop, the accountant who keeps the books, and so on. It encompasses individuals who may be your neighbors, go to your church or whose kids go to school with your kids. It’s realizing that simply by spending our money in certain shops, we can contribute to the overall well-being of where we live. “Shop local means supporting independently owned businesses. It means that you have that favorite place on the corner where you go to buy your tools, the little boutique that’s owned by your friend and the bakery where you can go to pick up your favorite cupcakes, as well as everything else in-between,” says Bradshaw. It also means taking a look at our on-line habits. Sure, it can be hard to resist the allure of
a national retailer that guarantees our purchase delivery by the next morning with an extraordinary low price. But before we hit the “confirm purchase” button, consider that many of our independently owned, local businesses offer online shopping and many times, these retailers will be able to match the prices we find on-line while providing a level of customer service that your computer can’t possibly offer. Merchants Who Care “When you shop locally, you have the opportunity to create relationships that cannot be matched, giving the shopper a personalized, enjoyable experience,” says Charlotte Harris, owner of Charlotte’s. With three locations and a 20-year storefront history, Harris has firsthand experience with the way the retail midtownmag.com | 27
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