For many hard-core shoppers, the thrill of Black Friday shopping ushers in the official start of the holiday shopping season. Others avoid the crowds and wait to find deals online on Cyber Monday, but that shopping shortcut may not be as productive as it’s previously been. That’s because current supply chain issues with labor shortages, material availability, and delays in shipping may mean that stockings may be filled with ‘out of stock’ messages instead of wished for items. In fact, Adobe analytics reported that online shoppers received around two billion ‘out of stock’ messages in the month of October alone.
Now more than ever, shopping local just makes sense. In Mantua, Crooked River Flowers and Gifts will kick off Small Business Saturday by opening up their make-and-take classroom for folks to drop in to make a succulent wreath or ornaments, or to shop their collection of holiday gifts items, fresh flowers, pine swags and wreaths. Forage + Feather will offer a variety of items, including jewelry, wearables, toys, specialty foods and decorative items from their extensive collection of local vendors. Or check out Bibury & Company for their collection of curated gifts including handmade mittens, cards, journals, and home goods. Don’t forget to post your letters to the Jolly Old Elf in the bright red mailbox that adorns the shop door.
In Garrettsville, the Village Bookstore may have something for the reader on your list; you may find that one-of-a-kind collectible at Waterfall Antiques or the Villager Emporium.
If you’re having trouble deciding, many shops and restaurants have gift cards available, to enjoy during the holidays, or to use long after the decorations have been put away. Your support can be a boon to your friends and neighbors with small businesses who are working to make up for revenue lost throughout the pandemic. As an added benefit, for every dollar spent at a small business, American Express estimates an average of $.67 stays in that business’s local community — so that everyone wins.
When you shop local this season, you’ll find more than just lovely gifts for your loved ones, you’ll be helping your local businesses and community have a happy holiday as well.
