| So Why Shop Local This Holiday Season? As a result of shopping local, more monies will remain in the local economy, in turn, supporting our local taxing districts as businesses pay and collect taxes, retain and/or expand local jobs, and support our local schools and non-profits through their donations to local fundraising efforts.  So Why Shop Local This Holiday Season? As the holiday season approaches, marketers are promoting Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Small Business Saturday. Holiday shoppers are in a “frenzy” in an effort to get their hands on the latest new technologies, the hottest new toys, and the greatest deals - all in an effort to get the “perfect” gifts for all the people on their holiday shopping list. As you look over your holiday shopping list this season you will most likely identify a few gifts on your list that you will need to either purchase outside the area or order online. However, in most cases if you STOP and THINK, there are great gifts you can purchase for the majority of the people on your holiday shopping list right in your hometown or at a store within your region. Endless possibilities exist, if you will just take the time to think about it for a couple of minutes. Rather than getting up before dawn, walking around for hours trying to see if something catches your eye, or ordering something online just because it is on sale, wouldn’t it be great to go to the small locally owned shop and ask for their help! They will be happy to help you fill in the gaps on your holiday shopping list! Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking. How about a beautiful floral arrangement, plant or specialty gift from the local florist? Or a membership to the local fitness center, gym or indoor shooting range? Or a subscription to the local newspaper? Or a gift basket from the local farm market filled with lots of delicious goodies? Or a spa, massage or manicure from the local salon? Or a bottle of wine from a local vineyard or winery? Or a box of specialty chocolates from the local confectioner? Or a photo shoot with one of our local photographers? Or a gift certificate toward a new pair of glasses at the local optometrist? Or a new recliner from the local furniture store? Or hand crafted, one-of-a-kind jewelry from a local artisan? Or a gift certificate to any number of places, such as one of our great local restaurants, a bed and breakfast, the beauty salon, a local artisan shop, and the list goes on! So why shop local this holiday season? The advent of regional shopping destinations and the Internet have led to a sharp decline in the monies that remain in local economies, leading to flat or declining revenue streams for our local taxing districts, i.e., declines in commercial real estate tax collections, income tax collections, sales tax collections and local employment opportunities. As revenues remain flat or decline, taxing districts are faced with tough decisions – 1) raise taxes, i.e., increase real estate taxes, income taxes and sales taxes in an effort to increase revenues to support essential services; 2) cut expenses, i.e., limit the services available in communities, counties and other taxing districts; or 3) a combination of the two approaches. Creating a stronger, more sustainable local and regional economy will not happen as a result of Small Business Saturday alone, because local shop owners cannot remain in business if customers only shop with them one day out of the year. However, while you are seeking out local solutions for your shopping list this holiday season, look around the store and see all the great things they have to offer that can fulfill your needs and wants throughout the year and make a commitment to Shop Local whenever possible. Sure, it may cost a little more in some cases, however, as a result of shopping local, more monies will remain in the local economy, in turn, supporting our local taxing districts as businesses pay and collect taxes, retain and/or expand local jobs, and support our local schools and non-profits through their donations to local fundraising efforts. University of Illinois Extension Educator Susan Odum says, “Please, show them you care this holiday season – give them a gift from home!” “Then make a New Year’s Resolution to Shop Local whenever possible in support of a stronger, more sustainable, local economy!” Source: Susan Odum Extension Educator, Community Economic Development University of Illinois Extension 912 S Commercial Street Harrisburg, IL 62946  Published: 11/25/14 |
