By Holly Martin
With the holidays around the corners, cars fill the parking lot of most stores as everyone tries to find the best deals. With this past year being a major hit to many local businesses, it is more important now than ever to shop local. But what does that really mean? Why is shopping at your local stores so important?
Instead of heading to Walmart and Target for all your shopping try to find small businesses in your community that you can support this year. Many local businesses are having sales, deals, and innovative offerings this year for all your gift giving needs. You may be surprised what our local merchants have for this season, and they are eager to help the community with the struggles of the holidays.
When you shop local you are keeping your money in the local economy, as well as, helping a local business owner take care of their family. Think of every purchase at a local shop going to that family’s contribution to their child’s next football game or ballet lesson. Plus, local businesses offer your neighbors a better chance of a quality job. No corporate mandates and strict corporate rules. Just a family trying to make a business thrive with you and me in mind.
Every purchase you make at a local business betters the community for the owners and your neighbors. According to the Andersonville Study of Retail Economics, when you spend $100 at a national chain only an average of $43 will remain in your local economy. However, for every $100 you spend locally, $68 will stay in the community.
Local businesses are what make the Jersey Shore so unique. No two stores ever look the same. Local businesses offer you services and products you can’t find anywhere else. From homemade to handmade, local businesses work hard to offer you everything you need for the holiday. Local finds can hold a little something special compared to some of the same mass produced department store products.
From the Atlantic City and Ocean City boardwalks to the Smithville Village, you are guaranteed to find the perfect gifts for your friends and family this year. Antiques, art, and handmade treasures are abundant in local shops. Plus, names and brands you may have never heard of will soon become your favorites. Boxes of Hershey’s chocolates are nice, but I’m hoping Santa swings by the boardwalk and grabs me some authentic salt water taffy.
You are supporting someone’s dream when you shop local. Your friends and neighbors became entrepreneurs to share their passion and expertise with their community. When you support local businesses they are then able to support you in return. Many of our small businesses in South Jersey are able to sponsor events and different school teams, and their support is only possible when we all decide to shop local.
Joe Amendolia of Hammonton got Lavender gifts for his family this Christmas from his local antique shop.
Holly Martin has been working in media since 2012. She has worked as a photographer and videographer throughout her high school and college career. Holly is a producer for WOND radio as well as fill in DJ for 103.7 WMGM Rocks. She loves being a concert photographer and working as event staff. She has worked as a reporter for Temple University’s Philadelphia Neighborhoods and submitted Editorials to the Philadelphia Inquirer. She has done multiple multimedia articles for Temple as well as Shore Local Newsmagazine. Her portfolio website is www.hollyamartin.com
