10 Reasons to Shop Local this Holiday Season

Published November 5, 2024November 5, 2024

As the holiday season draws near, there’s no better time to support our local businesses. Shopping locally not only brings unique, heartfelt gifts to your loved ones but also strengthens our community. Below are ten reasons you should shop local this holiday season.

We encourage shoppers to pledge their support by using #ShopSmall on social media and following the Chamber on Facebook for updates. To find local retailers, explore the searchable Chamber Member Directory.

1. Support Our Community’s Economy
   • Money spent locally stays in the community, helping to fuel the local economy. When you shop at a local business, more of each dollar recirculates, supporting other businesses, services, and local jobs. Studies show that for every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $68 stays in the community, compared to only $43 when spent at a national chain. ¹
2. Unique, One-of-a-Kind Gifts
   • Local businesses often carry items you won’t find in big-box stores. From handcrafted items to locally sourced goods, shopping locally lets you find unique and personal gifts with a special touch. Local retailers can source some of the most unique holiday gifts with a personal touch.
3. Boost Local Job Opportunities
   • Local businesses are significant job creators. By supporting them, you’re helping ensure employment opportunities for your friends, neighbors, and family members right here in our community. Small businesses are responsible for creating two out of every three new jobs in the U.S., helping to build a stronger workforce and economy.²
4. Personalized Customer Service
   • Local business owners take pride in knowing their customers and providing exceptional service. Their focus on customer relationships means you’ll often receive thoughtful assistance in finding the perfect gift. Research shows that 73% of customers report higher satisfaction when they shop with small businesses, thanks to a more personalized experience.³
5. Reduce Environmental Impact
   • Shopping locally can help reduce your carbon footprint. Local shops require less transportation and packaging, which means an eco-friendly shopping experience. Locally owned businesses make local purchases, reducing transportation emissions and supporting sustainable practices.⁴
6. Keep Our Community Vibrant
   • Independent businesses add unique character to our community. From festive storefronts to community involvement, these businesses contribute to the charm and spirit that makes Shelton-Mason County special. Your support helps ensure they continue to thrive. Communities with vibrant local businesses have seen home values increase by up to 10%, showing that shopping locally can help the local economic market grow.⁵
7. Invest in Local Nonprofits
   • Local businesses are more likely to give back to the community. They support local charities, youth programs, and sponsor various events throughout the year. When you shop local, you are making a big impact. Small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to local non-profits and community organizations, proving that shopping locally is an investment in our community’s well-being.⁶
8. Encourage Local Entrepreneurship
   • When you shop local, you’re supporting dreams and fostering entrepreneurship. Small business owners invest their time, talent, and resources to serve their community, making it a vibrant place to live and work. Nearly 30% of small business owners say their primary motivation is to make a positive impact on the community, underscoring their dedication to local growth and support. ⁷
9. Support Future Generations
   • Shopping local sets an example for younger generations about the importance of community. It teaches children and young adults about the value of supporting their hometown and the people within it. Studies indicate that communities with smaller businesses have higher high school graduation rates, creating a brighter future for the next generation.⁸
10. Celebrate the Spirit of Community
    • The holidays are about coming together, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by supporting local businesses. Shopping local allows you to build relationships, connect with the people behind the products, and celebrate our community spirit. Communities with strong local businesses report a 12% increase in overall well-being and satisfaction, showing that shopping locally has a profound impact on our quality of life.⁹

This holiday season let’s show our local businesses the appreciation they deserve. By choosing to shop locally, you are making a powerful choice that strengthens our community and creates lasting connections. Join us in supporting the businesses that make our community a wonderful place to call home!

As we approach the 15th Annual Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2024, let’s celebrate the small businesses that make our community strong. American Express, the originator of Small Business Saturday, continues to work with organizations and independent businesses to support communities and uplift local economies. Learn more and join the movement at shopsmall.com.

1. Civic Economics. “Economic Impact Analysis.” This highlights the economic benefits of spending money locally, showing how local purchases retain more money in the community. ↩︎
2. U.S. Small Business Administration. “Small Business Job Creation.” An analysis by the SBA on how small businesses contribute to job creation in the United States, supporting two-thirds of new jobs. ↩︎
3. NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business). “Small Business Customer Experience Study.” This report explains why customer satisfaction rates are often higher with small businesses, largely due to personal service and customer care. ↩︎
4. Institute for Local Self-Reliance. “Benefits of Local Business Sustainability.” Research demonstrates that local businesses often adopt eco-friendly practices and make more sustainable, local supply chain choices. ↩︎
5. National Association of Realtors. “Impact of Local Businesses on Home Values.” This study shows how communities with a strong local business presence experience higher home values and overall neighborhood stability. ↩︎
6. SCORE. “Small Businesses’ Community Contributions.” SCORE’s analysis on how small businesses contribute to community organizations, donating time, funds, and resources to local causes. ↩︎
7. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “Small Business Entrepreneurial Impact.” Findings on the motivations of small business owners, many of whom prioritize community impact and local connections. ↩︎
8. National Community Reinvestment Coalition. “Educational Outcomes in Communities with Local Businesses.” Research illustrates a positive correlation between the presence of small businesses and improved educational outcomes, such as graduation rates. ↩︎
9. Project for Public Spaces. “Community Well-being and Local Business Impact.” An analysis showing how local businesses improve overall community well-being and resident satisfaction, fostering a sense of pride and connectedness. ↩︎