Supporting local businesses is always important.
But there may be no better time than now to shop local in 2020.
With the COVID-19 pandemic having serious implications for many small businesses, and no end in sight, this year is a perfect time to get out from behind the computer screen and walk through Highlands’ business district in search of the perfect Christmas gift.
Here are just a few of the advantages to shopping small, while making a big impact in the local community.
• One-of-a-kind products – Highlands boasts a number of shops that offer unique gifts that can’t be found on the shelves of a big box store, or even via the Amazon shopping cart. Many times those products are also produced by small businesses around the region.
• Personalized service – As anyone who has ever had to return an item purchased online can attest, it’s not usually easy or convenient. By shopping with a local retailer you get a better idea of what a product is or is not before you leave the store.
• No guessing games – Many local retailers offer gift cards, or gift certificates, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Buying a gift card to a local business allows the shop local idea to spread and takes away any anxiety over whether the person receiving the gift will like it or not.
• Support the arts – Highlands is fortunate to have a large number of local artisans who sell their wares in area retail stores. By looking toward locally made gifts not only do you support the retailer, but also the artisan who created the gift.
• Know where your money goes – Spending hard earned dollars with locally owned businesses makes it more likely that those dollars stay in the community. Local businesses sponsor all kinds of events throughout the year and they traditionally reinvest in Highlands.
So whether you are one of the brave souls who makes plans to go shopping on “Black Friday,” or you prefer the more laid back approach of “Small Business Saturday,” take time to give small businesses a chance to serve you during this holiday season.