Letter from the editor
As the season of gift giving is upon us, I encourage you to think local first. This Saturday is Small Business Saturday, and I hope you’ll join us in celebrating all that our local businesses have to offer.
At Shore Local, celebrating the “local” in everything we do is a guiding principle. When Bob and I launched this publication more than eight years ago, we knew the name had to include “local.” Our mission was and continues to be to spotlight the small businesses, people, places and events that make South Jersey shine.
Let’s support our friends and neighbors who manage small businesses. After all, it’s the makers, chefs, artists and entrepreneurs who truly value our patronage. When we shop locally, we ensure that our dollars stay in the community, contributing to its growth and vitality.
According to the American Independent Business Alliance, $68 out of every $100 spent at a local business stays in the community, while just $43 out of every $100 spent at big box stores or online giants.
Imagine if we all shifted even 10% more of our purchases to small local businesses. The result? A ripple effect that fuels job creation, enhances our economy and fosters a vibrant, unique community.
On the other hand, when we choose national chains, our dollars often vanish into faraway corporate accounts. But shopping locally keeps that money right here, supporting initiatives that make our area special. If we want to preserve the distinctive character of our towns—the charm of a handmade gift, the flavor of a locally sourced meal, or the warmth of personal service—our choices need to reflect that.
This past weekend, Ocean City’s Earlier Than The Bird shopping event brought Asbury Avenue to life with sights, sounds and aromas that evoked the very best of the holiday season. Shoppers clad in festive pajamas strolled under twinkling lights, their laughter punctuating the hum of cheerful holiday music. Local shopkeepers welcomed visitors with warm smiles and special discounts, while street performers added a magical energy to the bustling avenue. The experience was delightful and a reminder of the joy that shopping locally brings—not just for the treasures we find, but for the memories we create.
Ocean City’s Old-Fashioned Christmas on Asbury Avenue is another must-see, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, charming window displays and Santa himself lighting the tree from the rooftop of City Hall. It’s a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie!
Nearby in Margate, you can enjoy South Jersey’s only American Sign Language (ASL) Santa, a festive parade and a variety of family-friendly activities. Plus, you’ll find exclusive deals from local shops, making it easy to check off your holiday list while supporting small businesses.
These are just a couple of highlights. Be sure to check out our Events and Happenings calendar on pages 18–21 for even more ways to celebrate this special weekend.
As we reflect on this season of gratitude, we at Shore Local want to express our heartfelt appreciation to you, our readers. Thank you for welcoming us into your lives and letting us share the stories of our incredible community. You inspire us every day to care more, do more and support all things local.
From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
