Why buy local during the holidays?

If you really need a reason:

To impress your loved ones
Are you looking for the perfect gift for your father, daughter, friend or your soul mate? Then head to the independent stores in your region—they have just what you need! Their products include works of art, local delicacies, household decor, toys, books and much more. To find great gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list, turn to your local stores for inspiration.

To protect the planet
By doing your holiday shopping close to home, you’ll reduce your consumption of gasoline—especially if you shop on foot. As a result, you’ll release less carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. Additionally, local merchandise won’t have to travel millions of miles before ending up under your Christmas tree, which further reduces your overall impact on the environment. This winter, go green by supporting small businesses in your area.

To save time
The beauty of shopping locally is that all you need to do is stop by your favorite stores when you happen to be passing by. You won’t need to reserve an entire day (or more) for shopping, let alone travel long distances to get to a crowded shopping mall. Overall, you’ll save time and be able to participate in the holidays without having to take too much time out of your busy schedule.

To sample fresh products
Want to impress your guests with produce, meats, pastries and dairy products of exceptional freshness and quality? Or perhaps you’re simply looking for the perfect host or hostess gift? If so, consider visiting the producers in your area. Stop by local breweries, butchers, cheese shops, bakeries and gourmet grocery stores to find delicacies that are sure to please.

To save money
Supporting businesses in your neighborhood can help you save considerable amounts of money. For example, you could go shopping without having to use your car. As a result, you’ll reduce your gas consumption and help extend the life of your vehicle while also avoiding paying for parking. Furthermore, you’ll be encouraging the local economy and helping to support businesses in your region.

To get exceptional customer service
Local business owners will take the time to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. What’s more, they love sharing their passion with loyal customers. Once you start shopping at their stores, you’ll start to learn all about the hard work and dedication that goes into their products. Shopping locally also makes it easier to return to the store if you encounter problems after making a purchase.