If you like to shop with young kids or elderly family members, then the madness that accompanies Black Friday or even Thanksgiving night shopping at major retailers probably isn’t for you.
A stroll down to a friendly downtown establishment for a more laid-back experience may be what you’re looking for this year. Shopping locally provides this opportunity.
Even in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we are likely to find friendly, personalized service at the local business level. This is because we probably know our small business owner by name and can even tell people about their background.
The typical small business in America depends on this kind of connection with its customers. What better way to teach your children about hard work, communication and store loyalty than by taking them to your favorite local store and talking shop with the owner?
Here is shopping exercise to try with your youngsters:
• Give them $10 to buy a locally produced, locally sold item for a sibling or friend.
• Provide a list of five local businesses from which they are allowed to make their purchase.
• Take them to the store and let them pick out the item.
• Prompt them to donate the remaining change to any local charity or support the efforts the business is promoting.
• Discuss all of the important lessons that can be learned from the experience, including supporting our local economy, providing more jobs and contributing to causes.
Children can learn through our example of shopping locally. And who knows? We may just be creating another community-minded, small business customer for life.
If you’re taking an elderly adult out shopping with you this season, one of the best options to give them a positive experience is by shopping locally.
If they have been in the community for a long period of time, undoubtedly they will run into friends, neighbors or family members while you’re out on the town.
Slow down and have a leisurely morning of shopping. Stop by your local coffeehouse or restaurant as you make your trek through downtown. Take in some conversation while you peruse the aisles of your favorite boutiques. Work together to whittle down your shopping list while also wrapping yourselves up in the spirit of shopping Grays Harbor area merchants for Christmas.
Stan Woody is the publisher of the Grays Harbor Newspaper Group