Think Local First: Spend Where It Matters This Holiday Season

"Spending smart" is more than a phrase. It's about the bigger picture - not just what store you walk into for a special occasion, or which big box chain is most convenient, but a deliberate, consistent choice. I want each of my shopping decisions this year to help fuel a dream; remind the owner their contribution and hard work does not go unnoticed; help to keep alive the passion a young entrepreneur has for their company. Those are real and tangible benefits that your dollars can offer.

We can choose to make this a more meaningful holiday season. Consider buying less but choosing better, because I believe it's time to get back to spending where it matters - making local stores and restaurants not just "part of our city" but a truly enjoyable aspect of the zip code we call home. Scroll down for ideas that just may make your shopping a little brighter this year! (to download an image, click on it to open a larger version in a new window and then save)

....and I know countless numbers of small business owners are too. Not to go on a lavish ski trip, or to purchase a second yacht or another vacation home, but to keep the lights on.

Here's a terrific poster to print out and display at your retail shop, storefront window and online! Let's remind consumers that real people are depending on real purchases this year.

You know the social media accounts you follow for actors, pop stars and mega music artists? Try putting that much emotion and attention into loving your hometown this season - because real people need to pay their electric bills, buy groceries and keep a shop open.

Change is born out of many small actions which may at first glance appear insignificant - and yet, when added together, each of those choices adds up to positive results. We can change the outcome of our economy, all of us, one purchase at a time.

The uniqueness of a town or city which represents the flavor and vibe of a specific area is what attracts both visitors and residents. (After all, who travels to see the same big box stores they have at home?)

If you must shop online, remember to check out your favorite independent retailers first. That way, even you can't get to visit them in person you can still direct your spending towards real people who are living and breathing - and right now, worrying about keeping their dream alive.

I received a message this morning......yes, I KNOW (straight from the North Pole!) Apparently due to Covid-19, Santa is reeeeally stressing out this year and he asked that everyone just focus on putting MORE MONEY back into their own communities, so that next year he doesn't have to play miracle worker with the economy. If you don't want to wind up on the naughty list, I'd say skipping the online stuff and big box labyrinths just MIGHT be a good idea.

Small businesses, owned and operated by the people we know + experiences we love = are places we want to keep around.

.....but we can't do it without your help. Our friends, relatives, neighbors and peeps.....together we CAN change the outcome for our favorite small businesses, but it takes us all to make suggestions, remind people of great places to go and better choices to make.

It's the last month of 2020 AND the opportunity to appreciate and find the best stuff at our local businesses.

Independent retailers are a cherished, vibrant and essential part of our neighborhoods. Plan to visit and spend with them this month.

Bigger stores are not always better, and despite the glut of advertising by Amazon and corporate chains, more "stuff" doesn't equate to happiness. Meaningful purchases, however, ones which make a difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors, those are indeed wiser decisions which fuel the health and vitality of your city, my town, our neighborhoods. After everything we've been through this year, let's remember what matters most; for me, I choose this place I call home, and I encourage you to look around and find joy and happiness where you live too.