Shopping locally gives personal touch to the holidays
By Charles Christian
Shopping locally offers both a unique gift experience and a boost to the local economy.
Local shops in downtown St. Joseph are already decorated and ready for the Christmas rush.
After Black Friday and Local Business Saturday, shops are hoping that positive momentum carries into the Christmas season.
Finding gifts for the holiday season can be a challenge, but local shop owners like Amy Heath of The Lucky Tiger said the best way to give a more thoughtful gift while supporting the development of downtown is to shop locally for the holidays.
“It’s imperative to shop local this time of year,” Heath said. “You’re supporting your neighbors and your friends, and you’re getting a gift that means a lot more than just going to some box store.”
Customers like Diane Eastman, a Kansas City resident who frequents downtown St. Joseph shops like Mod Podge, agreed with this sentiment.
“I love the uniqueness, and I love supporting small businesses,” Eastman said. “I think it just means more, and personally, the gifts I give is how I express myself.”
Expressing yourself locally by giving locally-sourced gifts can move away from an “assembly line” feel and bring a more personal touch to the gift, according to Eastman. Casey Wallerstedt, owner of Mod Podge Boutique & Design Studio, said that smaller downtown shops can give more personal attention to each customer as they shop for themselves or for others.
Wallerstedt said it is common for most of the downtown shops, boutiques and other locally-owned stores to feature direct service from the owners themselves. She added that this is the kind of personalized service that she seeks to bring to customers.
Amy Heath at Lucky Tiger also said that many of the downtown shops are seasonal in nature, and the holiday season beginning at Thanksgiving, gives them a chance to shine, with items ranging from stocking stuffers to winter clothes.
Those interested in more information about the variety of locally-owned businesses in St. Joseph and what they have to offer for the holidays, can explore the business directory offered by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce at web.saintjoseph.com/directory.
