This holiday season, think of your purchases as more than presents—they’re investments in the place we call home. When you buy from a Greeley shop, café, or maker, that dollar doesn’t leave town; it begins a journey that supports neighbors, creates jobs, and funds the community programs that make our holidays possible. This is the magic of shopping local: every dollar you spend creates ripples that echo far beyond the checkout counter.
In Greeley, where small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, that impact is profound. Northern Colorado's retail sector has shown remarkable resilience amid national uncertainties, with local shops adapting and growing despite headwinds. But the real power lies in the "multiplier effect"—the way money recirculates locally. On average, 48 percent of each purchase at local independent businesses is recirculated locally, compared to less than 14 percent of purchases at chain stores.
These aren't abstract numbers; they're stories etched into our streets. That latte at your favorite local coffee shop might pay a barista who then buys a handcrafted gift from a local boutique. That sale helps the owner cover payroll, which puts money into the pockets of employees who dine, shop, and pay bills locally. The boutique owner, in turn, hires a local printer for gift tags, a nearby accountant for taxes, and donates to a holiday drive. After all, small businesses make up to 136% more charitable donations per employee than businesses with 500 or more employees.
As we head into the holiday season, let's lean into this ripple. Shop the makers and merchants who live here, employ your neighbors, and reinvest in Greeley’s future. Your support is an investment in the Greeley we love. Dive into the Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce's business directory at Business.GreeleyChamber.com/List.