AUTHOR'S NOTE: See the local businesses at the end of this article and discovery why Idaho residents are going out of their way to shop in person, via online local shopping, curbside pickup, or delivery. Let these business owners know you are SHOPPING LOCAL FIRST!
The holiday season is in full swing. It's a time of joy, reflection, hope, and shopping - lots and lots of shopping. While there's no arguing that online shopping can be convenient, however, does the ease of clicking an online link supersede the emotional benefits you'd feel from contributing to someone's livelihood by shopping local? We all have the ability to support our community friends and neighbors — all the business owners who make our community a wonderful place to live. Here are some of the key reasons to shop local this holiday season.
1) SHOPPING LOCAL HELPS GROW COMMUNITY ECONOMY
According to the American Independent Business Alliance (AIBA), when you shop local, approximately 48% of the cost of your purchase is recirculated right back into the local economy. We can all agree that every dollar helps, especially around Christmas time.
2) BOOSTS JOB GROWTH
Small business is, quite frankly, big business. According to a study by Michigan State University, small local businesses are the largest employers nationally, employing as much as 52 percent of the nation's employees. When you shop local, you create job stability for current working citizens in your community, as well as opening the door for more local hiring opportunities. And what better way to celebrate the holidays and the coming new year than with a reliable job that's close to home?
3) COMMUNITY ARTISTS AND VENDOR EXPOSURE
The Treasure Valley is full of incredibly talented artists who can't afford shop space until their business takes off, leading them to partner with local businesses to sell their products at a storefront. So when you shop local, you give those craftspeople the exposure and funding they need to grow their business. Your family will feel extra special knowing you got them something personalized that just can't be found anywhere else!
4) HEALTHY AND TASTY FOOD OPTIONS
By the time fruits and vegetables travel across the country to your table, they're often times depleted of the key nutrients they once had if bought at peak freshness from a local farmers market or supermarket. When you shop and dine locally, you're getting a healthier and tastier version of the same product found at a chain store. We believe your belly will thank you during the holidays when you're feasting on fresh, roasted vegetables you bought from the farm up the road.
5) PERSONALIZED SERVICE & PRODUCTS
Some of the biggest perks of shopping local are the personalized customer service and the unique, hand-crafted items you come across. Our local business owners often times build their own business from scratch and do so because they are passionate about keeping their products and services exclusive to our community. Many times, small business owners are able to craft and personalize a product just for you.
6) SHOWS APPRECIATION FOR LOCAL FARMERS & VENDORS
Local farmer's markets are found to have a positive effect on total agricultural sales across the country. Every time you support your local farmers market or grocer, the farmers will thank you. An added bonus is being able to personally thank the farmer who grew your food. Isn't expressing gratitude what the holidays are all about?
7) GIVING BACK TO CHARITIES
Many small business owners donate some portion of their profits to charitable Treasure Valley organizations each year. So every time you shop local, a portion of your dollars may also be donated to a local charity, especially during this unprecedented year and during the holidays.
8) SHOPPING LOCAL DELIVERS THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
When you buy local, you experience the perk of seeing your salesperson face-to-face, to help you with future orders or to customize an order you've already placed with them. Shopping online, you may be directed to an digital portal or phone recording, warning you that hold times are "longer than usual." Do we really need this kind of added stress during the holidays? In addition, our local business owners have community connections allowing them to deliver you exclusive recommendations for other needs you may have. And who doesn't love a good deal around the holidays?
01 THE NEST, EAGLE & MERIDIAN: New Holiday inspired bedding, home furnishings, artwork, decorations, and gifts - TheNestBoise.com
02 RICOCHET HOME CONSIGNMENT, GARDEN CITY: A bold statement side chair to change the vibe of your room - RicochetBoise.com
03 MAISON BLUE, EAGLE: High-end European antique furniture, lighting and home goods including Country Estate Delft dinnerware - MaisonBlue.com
01 FIRST FEDERAL BANK: Give the perfect gift every time with a $10 - $1,000 VISA Gift Card - BankFirstFed.com
02 KING, BARRIOS & BARTLETT INVESTMENT GROUP: View your accounts, securely contact your advisor, and access market data at the touch of a button - KBBRBC.com
03 ADVANCED HEATING AND COOLING: 25-point furnace tune-up special: safety inspection & standard filter $79 - AdvancedHeatingandCooling.com
01 BANNER BANK: Finance up to 97% LTV (Loan-to-Value) and we can even help with your down payment. Contact Crystal McClain & Jeff Enrico - BannerBank.com
02 WINDOW COVERING OUTLET: In-home consultations and measuring are always FREE within the service area - WindowCoveringOutlet.com
03 PANACHE HAIR STUDIO & DAY SPA: Gift cards available. Now showcasing our newest product, Botanical Repair! - PanacheSpaBoise.com
01 AMAZING EXTERIORS: Offering the best quality replacement windows, siding, and entry doors for your home. - AmazingExteriors.com
02 YOUNG GROUP SUN VALLEY: Darlene Young, a long-time success as a high-end resort property broker. - YoungGroupSunValley.com
03 ALBERTSONS MARKET: Dinner selections include an entrée, all the sides, dressings and condiments. - AlbertsonsMarket.com
01 CASTLE & COOKE MORTGAGE: Purchase and refinance loans; Fixed-rate and ARM loans; Options with as little as 3.5% down - sboyle.CastleCookeMortgage.com
02 BASSETT FURNITURE: Fall Clearance Sale, and see bigger discounts on some of your fave styles at your local store! - BassettFurniture.com
03 GRAEBER AND COMPANY: To celebrate our 55th Anniversary, we decided to bring exclusive savings on your favorite Aveda products. - GraeberandCompany.com
01 SEVOY GALLERY & ANTIQUE: A leader in the importation of European antiques. - Sevoy.com
02 TASTE ASIAN FUSION BISTRO: Gift card delivered in a customized greeting card by email, mail, or printout. - TasteBoise.com
03 VIEWPOINT WINDOWS: Whether building a home, remodeling, or replacing existing windows or doors. - ViewpointWindows.com
01 HEADWATERS WEALTH MANAGEMENT: We serve individuals, families, and businesses, in all areas of investment planning. - Headwaterswm.com
02 REID SANBORN, Engel & Völkers: Situated in the heart of Ketchum, Idaho, a brand new condominium development. - ReidSanborn.evRealEstate.com
03 JIM'S APPLIANCE: Brands & appliance packages as replacement, remodel, or new construction. - JimsAppliance.com
01 OLIVE AND VYNE: Shop online or call to arrange distinctive gift packages, boxes, or baskets with your recipients in mind. We offer shipping, curbside pickup and local delivery for businesses and residential. - OliveandVyne.com
02 FRANZ WITTE: Holiday deals! We've got gift cards, candles, gnomes and more for the Holidays. - FranzWitte.com
03 STRETCHLAB: Boise & Eagle First Time 5O-Minute Mobility Assessment Stretch only $59. - StretchLab.com
01 SNAKE RIVER POOL & SPA: Multi-game arcade: 60 games from the 80’s including Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Golden Tee & More! - TheSpaTeam.com
02 CHANDLERS PRIME STEAKS & SEAFOOD: Gift card for best steak, seafood, wines and cocktail along with live jazz entertainment. - ChandlersBoise.com
03 ROASTERE´ SPECIALTY COFFEE: 90 Varieties of Gourmet Coffee with convenience of a one stop shop. tvCoffee.com
01 TWO RIVERS SALON & SPA: Gift certificates are valid for use on any services or products. - TwoRiversSpa.com
02 ALPINE TREE SERVICE: Tree trimmers/removal, equipment operators, soil nutrition, pest management, and fruit tree care. - AlpineTreeService.net
03 TAMARACK RESORT: Express Cards for guaranteed access to the lifts, flexibility to choose dates and save money! - TamarackIdaho.com
01 HAL DAVIS JEWELERS: Add an all-around shine with a pair of flawless diamond hoops. - HalDavis.com
02 TAMARACK REALTY: Luxury condominiums to cottages, townhomes, chalets, custom homes and home sites. - TamarackRealty.com
03 SAINT ALPHONSUS MEDICAL CENTER: Volunteer, contribute cash, donate in-kind items, or leave a legacy gift to make a difference. - SaintAlphonsus.org
01 UNITY HEALTH CENTER: Full range of aesthetic services are set to be a gift they won't forget. - uhcIdaho.com
02 RAIN SALON & SPA: Hydrafacial is gentle, compatible for all skin types. - RainSalonandSpa.org
03 ROCKET EXPRESS CAR WASH: Dedicated express lane, tipping included no signup fee, or lengthy contract. - RocketExpress.com
01 CHALLENGER SCHOOL: Located in Boise & Meridian, preschool to eighth-grade students. - ChallengerSchool.com
02 SALTZER HEALTH: internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, midwifery, urgent care, rheumatology, and other specialties. SaltzerHealth.com
03 ELITHARP GROUP: Buying and selling your home is a big deal, and our goal is to make it as easy as possible. ElitharpGroup.com
01 ROOST COLLECTION: Thymes Frasier Fir Petite Reed Diffuser, freshly cut forest scent through your surroundings. $38.00 - RoostCollection.com
02 HEALTH BENEFITS OF BOISE: Open enrollment for Medicare and Individual/Families. Our services are free. - HealthBenefitsOfBoise.com
03 SIMMONS FINE JEWELRY: The Chronomat timepiece and a John Hardy bracelet - the perfect accessories. - SimmonsFineJewelry.com
01 MERRY MAIDS: With flexible scheduling we can be there for you when you need us, and away when you don’t. - MerryMaids.com
02 CHARLES KNOWLES PHOTOGRAPHER: The sun was low peaking through the forest behind me. I thought it looked like a Christmas. - KnowlesGallery.com
03 ORANGE THEORY FITNESS: high intensity workout o spike your metabolism and boost energy. Try us for free today! - OrangeTheory.com
01 IDAHO BEEF COUNCIL: This weekend, fire up the grill and become a part of Idaho's rich and delicious beef history. - idBeef.org
02 HERITAGE REFLECTIONS: Finest handcrafted Amish furniture and quality decor for any room in your home. HeritageReflections.com
03 PARAGON MENS HEALTH: A breakthrough solution for men suffering from the effects of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). - ParagonMensHealth.com
01 THE GROVE HOTEL: AAA Four Diamond full-service hotel upholding its reputation as the city’s premier hotel by offering luxury without sacrificing comfort. - GroveHotelBoise.com
02 AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL DREAMER & RENDITIONS: Specializing in locally made furniture, furniture made in the USA, as well as one-of-a-kind from all over the world. - RenditionsFurniture.com
03 TDS FIBER: Bringing the future of Internet, TV, and phone services to neighborhoods like yours. - tdsFiber.com
01 G&G INSULATION: Knowledge, experience and expertise to provide energy-saving solutions for homeowners and builders. - GandGInsulation.com
02 BALLET IDAHO: Join us for a revolutionary season launching in November 2020 on Ballet Idaho’s new digital streaming platform. - BalletIdaho.org
03 BOISE RESCUE MISSION: The Rescue Mission Thrift Store. Quality clothing, furniture and household items for affordable prices. - BoiseRM.org
01 CALIFORNIA CLOSETS: Leader in premium and luxury space management, delivering truly custom products. - CaliforniaClosets.com
02 CLOTHESLINE CLEANERS: Boise and Meridian dry-cleaning, laundry, and clothing maintenance needs with state of the art equipment, cutting edge technology, and top notch service. - ClotheslineCleaners.com
03 IDEAL IDAHO COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM: A state sponsored, tax advantage savings plan that helps families pay for the cost of college. - idSaves.org
01 MOUNTAIN WEST IRA: Record keeping services for individuals and small business owners who desire to include non-traditional assets within their tax-deferred and tax-free portfolios. - MountainWestIRA.com
02 SPARKLIGHT: Wide array of connectivity and entertainment services, including high-speed internet and advanced Wi-Fi solutions, cable television and phone service. - Sparklight.com
03 WESTMARK CREDIT UNION: A full-service financial cooperative, entirely owned by our members and committed to the development of their financial future. - Westmark.org
01 ZEROREZ BOISE CARPET CLEANING: Unique zr process™ with Powered Water®, a patented electrolysis process creating a powerful cleaning solution without harmful toxins or chemicals. - ZerorezBoise.com
02 HAWLEY TROXELL: Full service business law firm providing solutions to the challenges of doing business, from formation to exit. - HawleyTroxell.com
03 HIGHLANDS HOLLOW: delicious down home meal, a lovingly crafted beer, and to have it served up by people who genuinely care warm & friendly place. - HighlandsHollow.com
01 MADELINE GEORGE GARDEN DESIGN & NURSERY: We're making some exciting changes which includes opening a coffee and refreshment bar. We reopen Friday, November 13th for the Holidays. - MadelineGeorge.com
02 SPARK MD: Our simplified healthcare model lets us offer wellness care, urgent care, injury care, dermatologic care, pap smears, flu shots, stitches, pregnancy tests and much more. - SparkMD.org
03 WESTSIDE DRIVE IN: Christmas is right around the corner and I'm sure your loved ones would love a Westside gift card! So come on down and see our wonderful crew today! - WestsideDriveIn.com
01 WILDFLOWER INTUITIVE CENTER: Licensed clinical support combined with the relaxing touch of reiki to assist clients as they navigate the stress of serious illness. - WildflowerIntuitiveCenter.com
02 CYPRESS TOURS: Small groups, hands-on experiences, wine, dine and adventure. It’s turn-key travel – I’ll take care of everything. - CypressTours.club
03 BRYANT REAL ESTATE, WITH WINDERMERE: If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home, you’ve come to the right spot. BryantRealEstate.Withwre.com