Keep it local this season: Shop. Eat Support our local communities

(Photo courtesy : Downtown Boulder). Keep It local This Season

SHOP. EAT. SUPPORT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

BY PAM MOORE HOLIDAY GUIDE

The days are growing shorter, Halloween candy is on supersale, and your neighborhood barista’s special latte is more likely to be gingerbread than pumpkin spice…. which can only mean one thing — the holiday season is upon us. Before you snuggle up with your softest blanket and your laptop to do your holiday shopping online, consider supporting local businesses this year instead.

Community investment

Not sure if it’s worth getting out of your jammies and leaving the house? “Keeping your dollars in your local community is important all the time,” says Colin Argys, Longmont Downtown Development Authority Marketing Specialist. “In general, spending $100 with a local small business generates roughly an additional $68 of additional economic impact in our community. And it puts money directly into the pockets of small business owners who live, shop and dine in our community, rather in the pockets of corporate executives and shareholders. ” On the other hand, research shows that of the $100 you spend at a non-local business, only $43 remains in the local economy. Thinking about a gift for your favorite bookworm? Know that every purchase you make at an independent bookstore generates more than four times the benefits to your local economy, as opposed to an Amazon purchase of the same dollar amount.

Every time you support a local business, you’re generating sales tax dollars that go directly back to your community. They fund programs and services including

your police and fire departments, libraries, recreation centers, parks and arts programs. Plus, you’re helping to create and keep jobs in your municipality.

The fun factor

“By sacrificing the convenience of online shopping, you get to experience human interactions, and you have the opportunity to connect with others,’ says Terri TakataSmith, Downtown Boulder’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “Small business owners are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the products they sell,” she explains. “They’re also our neighbors, friends and family. They care immensely about the community they’ve chosen to open a business in."

Not only do you get to chat with your local small business proprietors, but inperson shopping is also oftentimes just more fun. Who wouldn’t want to inhale the dreamy scent of a candle or feel the softness of the perfect cashmere sweater before shipping it to a loved one? When you shop locally, “you also get to have tactile experiences that are not possible shopping online,” says Takata-Smith.

Meanwhile, supporting local businesses means the chance to invite serendipity into your shopping experience. “You are more likely to stumble across the perfect gift or item by perusing rather than going online with a targeted purpose or intent, ” says Takata-Smith. “Window shopping can be inspirational and bring out creative ideas you didn’t even know you had.”

(Photo courtesy : Downtown Boulder).

More than gifts

Shopping locally means snagging one-ofa-kind gifts, artisan goods and artwork, says Argys. And remember that when it comes to shopping locally, the more the merrier. “Turn shopping into a memorable

“Small business owners are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the products they sell.They’re also our neighbors, friends and family.They care immensely about the community they’ve chosen to open a business in.

experience by going with your friends and family, ” says Takata-Smith. While you’re at it, “share the message of shopping local with your neighbors and via social media channels. Take a minute to leave a positive review about an experience you had shopping or dining locally, ” she suggests.

If your shopping list is short, not to worry — there are plenty of ways to support the local economy. Argys suggests treating yourself this winter. “Make time during this hectic season for some self-care with local health, wellness and beauty services, ” he says. Or consider purchasing a gift card (for yourself or as a gift) to use in the future.