Shopping Local This Holiday
Show that local (holiday) love…
Got a lot of Amazon boxes on your porch these days? The convenience can’t be beat but as you’re finishing up those shopping lists, make sure you’re showing some love to local shops too. They’re such an important part of our communities. Think of how boring the shopping scene would be if they didn’t exist! Here are a few ways to make sure you’re spreading Christmas cheer to these businesses too!
01-MARKETS
This time of year there are some really great holiday markets that pop-up to give smaller makers a chance to sell their products to people more directly. I love wandering through checking out items that you just can’t find at a big box store. I went to one recently and was able to check off lots from my lists. Keep an eye on your favorite markers’ social media, community calendars, and event venues to make sure you don’t miss the fun.
LOCAL FRIENDS: A couple favorites of mine are Made Market and UICA Holiday Market.
02-EXPERIENCES
When gift giving, I always like to think if the person would enjoy a particular experience more than a gift. It seems like so many of us have endless amounts of ‘stuff’ and the holidays can feel like it just adds to the stockpile. Many gifts you won’t remember after a couple years while experiences are delightfully memorable.
LOCAL FRIENDS: A couple places that provide an experience that you can easily gift are Wax Poetic Candle Bar and Grand Rapids Symphony.
03-GIFT CARDS WITH HEART
Sometimes gift cards are the easiest item for people on your list. If you are going to go this route, give a gift card that encourages someone else to shop local. Whether they’re a fan or it’s an opportunity to introduce them to a new place in their community, this can be an easy way to support a local spot while conquering more of that list.
LOCAL FRIENDS: Some fun (and unexpected) spots for a gift card are Grand Rapids Civic Theatre so they can enjoy a show throughout the year or cover a family visit to the Frederik Meijer Gardens.
04-STAY SOCIAL
If you aren’t giving gifts this year or don’t celebrate the holidays, social media is always a free way that you can support businesses in your community. Share a post, like/comment, tag a friend who would love their brand. Doesn’t cost a thing but brings higher engagement and traffic to their pages.
LOCAL FRIENDS: There are some great holiday giveaways that local businesses are doing which is a fun way to share their info with new potential customers (and maybe win something fun in the process).
I hope this provides some tangible ways that you can support some businesses in your community. Even if you aren’t here in Michigan, these apply to wherever you live as well! If you are a local friend and need a suggestion, don’t hesitate to shoot me a message! #LIVELOCAL
Sincerely,
Ashley