Support Your Independent Businesses by Shopping Local for Mom

Why shop local for Mother's Day? Because no one wants to give mom the same thing as everyone else. Many chain and big box stores all carry very similar items found from coast to coast. But the real deal, the unique things, now THOSE are often found in the smaller, local shops around the community. Don't give the same thing as everyone else - instead make the effort to visit, enjoy and support your independent retailers, restaurants, florists and businesses right where you live.

There is nothing which says "I didn't think much about you", the way an average gift found in any chain store does. Your gift doesn't have to be a work of art or expensive! It is however a lovely gesture to pick out something truly unique and different just for Mom.

Choose to support your friends and neighbors ....because Mom is worth it. And so is your economy.

Who wants to order the generic "value rose arrangement" as everyone else, from a company you don't know, using a call center that is probably located in another country!? Not me! Be smart and choose local for Mom by using an independent "REAL" florist.

Why buy from a local florist? You can order directly with the people who will make and deliver something special. Recently when I ordered a gift, I was able to chat with a friendly person who helped me figure out what I wanted.....not just some random 800# clerk. And, I helped a local business.

Sites to help you find a locally-owned florist:

• Real Local Florists
• Santamary Florist Mother's Day images (FB)
• Santamary Florist Facebook album BUY LOCAL
• AMIBA

Here are some additional suggestions:

• Chocolates from an independent candy store
• Lunch or dinner at an area restaurant
• A day spent downtown exploring small shops

• Gift certificate to a locally-owned service business
• Indie book stores are always a great idea
• Plants from the local nursery or garden center
• Jewelry that is handmade in your area

• A cake from the corner bakery
• An afternoon tour of a nearby attraction or museum
• A gift card to her favorite spa or salon

Spending with a real person, at a brick and mortar in your OWN neighborhood, downtown or Main Street isn't difficult. What can be a bit challenging sometimes is the logistics of hours of operation, location of a particular store, or just your own busy schedule. However, if you think ahead and remember the real value of maintaining your wonderful community by keeping the mom and pop businesses around, you will likely be able to figure out how to shop early and still invest where you live. "Love Your Local" - because small business matters!

Live Local, USA • "Sharing the Love of

Small Business from Coast to Coast"