As many of us share gifts and meals with friends, family, and coworkers this holiday season, we can also give a gift to our entire community. From our Thanksgiving meal to our New Year’s Eve celebration, let’s Shop Indie Local and purchase more of our holiday gifts and celebration needs from our friends and neighbors—locally owned business owners.
Learn more and Shop Indie Local this holiday season!
“Say you spend money at a local shoe store,” explains local economist and author Michael Shuman. “Its employees then go to the supermarket, which might buy from a local farmer. The more times and the faster a dollar passes between hands without leakage, the more income, wealth, and jobs in a community.”
Give a Gift of Job Growth
Local, independent retail businesses help employ many more people than those on the sales floor. They’re more likely to bank with local banks and buy from other local businesses than chain stores. They’re also more likely to hire local service providers like accountants, graphic designers, and various skilled positions—jobs for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Give a Gift to the Nonprofit Community
Local nonprofit organizations depend on contributions from local businesses. This support extends to civic institutions like schools, churches, and fraternal leagues that aid economic prosperity, community cohesion, and trust.
Give a Gift of Vibrant Main Streets
The rise of online shopping, undercutting Main Street retailers, also changes land use patterns. Amazon doesn’t place its warehouses downtown but in remote industrial parks. As demand for Main Street storefronts declines, so will local governments’ tax revenue base.
Get Ready for Shop Indie Local Week
The week after Thanksgiving is a super busy one for the Shop Indie Local movement as we celebrate Plaid Friday, Small Business Saturday, Artists Sunday, Cider Monday, and Giving Tuesday.
Plaid Friday
Independent businesses and community members will celebrate Plaid Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. This year’s event falls on Friday, November 29, 2024. Wear plaid on Friday to show your support for our local economy and commitment to buying local this holiday season.
Small Business Saturday
The day after Plaid Friday is Small Business Saturday. No matter how you get involved, every little bit makes a big difference!
Artists Sunday
December 1 is Artists Sunday, an art shopping movement of over 4,500 artists and organizations coming together to encourage consumers to shop with their favorite local artists and makers during the holiday season. Think of it as Plaid Friday but for the arts.
Cider Monday
Instead of Cyber Monday, a day when online merchants offer special deals, we invite you to Cider Monday. On December 2, stop in for free cider from participating Cider Monday businesses. Also, if you choose to shop online, choose local too!
Giving Tuesday
A global generosity movement, Giving Tuesday on December 3 encourages you to give any way you can. Organizers share, “Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to give.”
Why Shop Indie Local?
Where you spend your hard-earned dollars matters. Your choices create a ripple effect that starts with you and extends out to our entire region and local economy. Shop Indie Local (shop at independent and locally owned businesses) and the positive ripple effects grow.