Shop local should be every community’s mantra

Shopping locally, especially during the holidays, makes the spirit happy and bright — similar to many holiday songs of the season. Communities throughout Lethbridge County offer residents many holiday-inspired family events over the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, for those celebrating the festive occasion. Businesses in those communities rely heavily on holiday spending in their respective shops.

In Coaldale, Country Christmas Night of Lights is approaching Nov. 28 and the same night — for some reason both seem to be competing with one another — Picture Butte is holding its annual Late Night Madness. Both events will bring many to each town and will hopefully be a shopping destination for residents, as a testament to shopping local.

For many, shopping local is a no-brainer but for others the big box stores in the city and malls are a shopping mecca for those in the need of this or that for loved ones. Sometimes, local shops just don’t have said product or can compete with city shopping locales. But… keeping money in a local community brings more than just a smile on Christmas morning. It lasts the whole year through — when local businesses can continue to thrive, thanks to the loyal customer base of residents.

Small town shopping is fun. It is also a great opportunity to purchase one of a kind merchandise or unique gift ideas. Small town businesses have heart. They also appreciate the business of locals, more than you know. Small towns have exquisite bakeries, gift shops and grocery stores — all focused on top-notch customer service. There’s craft and bake sales, homemade wares and wonders for kith and kin. It’s just better with small town flair.

’Tis the season to be jolly, as it is time to hit a small town main street to check out this year’s latest trends and must haves. It is also a time to stumble upon a great find. Small town shops have cool items with charm. Small town shops know how to treat their guests.

The smells and tastes of a small town bakery deliver customers to a food-induced bliss. Just try to leave a small town bakery without a bag in your hand. Especially during the holidays — from mincemeat pies to sugar cookies and cherry poundcake and gingerbread men and/or women — simply, yummy.

Gifts, at a small town shop, are something a little different for somebody a little special in someone’s life. Small town shops offer knick knacks, funny gags, sweet sentiments, obscure fashion and delights to tempt the palette and perfumes to make the mind reminisce. Toys, at a small town shop, are often neat, nifty and sometimes collectible. Wooden trucks or flutes, building blocks, traditional games, non-mainstream books and art plus a gazillion other gifts for the entire family and friends.

Shopping local is an important part of being a part of a community. Buying from local businesses help the customer and the shopkeep. It helps the community become united through  keeping residents in town, as opposed to residents heading out to a town down the road. This holiday season perhaps stroll into a shop down the street to check out its merchandise. Maybe pick up something for a significant other, a child, a friend or a little something for yourself. Indulge in the luxury of buying local without having to travel a distance or get stuck in traffic or get mowed down by other customers racing to get the next big deal.

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