With the start of the holiday season so close at hand, you're probably already thinking about how you're going to get all your holiday shopping done. This year, our real estate agents have challenged themselves to do what they can to help the small businesses that make every community a better place to live. Want to join them in their support of local entrepreneurs? Here are seven ideas to get you started.

Tips for Supporting Local Businesses During the 2021 Holiday Season 

• Chat with the Owners 
  When big businesses get so much of the local economy's market share, it's easy for local shop owners to begin to feel underappreciated. Take a few minutes to stop and talk with the owner of the store you are visiting. That person will undoubtedly appreciate the gesture, and you'll get a chance to learn more about their wares and what makes them special. You may not be aware of some of the small details that make their products special – for instance, maybe their café makes all of its food items with locally sourced ingredients.  
  
  Talking with the owner may also open doors for you if you discover they do not currently stock the product you were looking for. Many shop owners are happy to do the legwork of finding and ordering specific products for patrons if they know someone is interested in those items.  
  
  
• Look for Local Alternatives 
  Many of the items on your friends' wishlists are probably available from local retailers. They may not carry the exact item that was requested, but if you know the recipient isn't typically concerned with brands, you might be able to find a great substitute from a quality local producer instead. Stick to the spirit of everyone's gift requests instead of trying to follow them to the letter, and you'll end up with nicer gifts while also injecting money into your local economy. 
  
  
• Speak Up for Small Business 
  Instead of buying from a small retailer yourself, spread the word about these businesses to people who do have a holiday budget they want to spend. Recommend small local shops to your friends and family, and consider leaving the business a good review on Google, Facebook, or Yelp. Every bit of good publicity helps these small businesses grow their customer base and stay profitable.  
  
  
• Don't Forget About Food 
  Even if you aren't buying many presents this year, chances are good that you're still planning to have something special to eat during the holiday season. If so, remember that local retailers carry food too! Whether you're cooking a full festive dinner or just want a few small treats to indulge in, there is probably a butcher, cheesemaker, vineyard, confectioner, or other local business that sells what you need. As a bonus, their wares are probably much higher quality than what you would get at your neighborhood grocery store. The premium flavors and textures will add a little extra magic to your holiday table.  
  
  
• Shop Based on Your Values 
  Shopping local is an excellent opportunity to use your money to support the outcomes you want to see in the world. Many small businesses partner with local charities to raise money or organize important local events, so you can buy from a shop that is affiliated with a cause that is near and dear to your heart.  
  
  
• Look for Extended Deals 
  Small businesses know they are competing with many other retailers to win your dollars. To make shopping at their locations more attractive, many extend their Black Friday deals for longer than bigger stores do. You can often get excellent prices on all kinds of items well into December, making it easier to fit the cost of shopping local into your budget.
  
  It is still a good idea to shop as early as possible, though – unlike their competition, small retailers may not have a regularly updated Facebook page or website that you could use to find out when these promotions end. If you don't want to miss out, don't wait.
  
  
• Look for One-of-a-Kind Artisan Gifts 
  Local retailers rarely stick to selling the same old merchandise you could get from the big box store down the street. Instead, many of them pair up with local creatives to sell hand-crafted items you won't find anywhere else. Buying a handmade necklace, scented candle, or piece of furniture not only supports two local independent businesses at the same time – but it also gets you an incredibly unique gift that your loved ones are sure to treasure.  

Once you've experienced the magic of shopping local around the holidays, this practice is sure to become a household tradition for your family. Do your part to support your local economy today, and if you have an imminent move on the horizon, don't fret. Contact us for help finding a home and getting settled into your new community.