Your Town Called, It Needs You

I had the best experience yesterday

.

My husband and I went downtown during the Open House event for all the small businesses and local retailers.

And let’s just say, we added to the economy.

We had a wonderful time. My husband was not too sure about the event, but he was game to give it a whirl. I am not a shopper, so when I want to shop, he doesn’t like to miss out.

We started on Main Street and popped into all the stores. The weather was lovely, and the front doors to all the shops were propped open, inviting us in.

And we absolutely walked right in.

Each store served charcuterie board, champagne, and desserts. Which, unfortunately we didn’t realize or we would have skipped lunch. In the end, it didn’t seem to matter. We nibbled our way down Main Street.

Every store was filled with customers. And they were shopping. And buying.

And it is a big deal for these small businesses. I am not sure I realized just how big a deal it is until I had the chance to speak with some of the business owners.

Each were dressed in their best holiday garb and each excited at the turnout. And each one stopped to speak with us and express their gratitude for taking the time to come out and support them.

I loved every minute of it, and I found some of the best items. We bought everything from clothes to coffee and found some great gift giving ideas.

We saw our neighbors. And met some wonderful new people.

I think that is what I enjoyed so much.

The community.

And the personal touch from the owners themselves. Not just the salespeople, who were all lovely, but the one on one with the owner.

You just don’t get that at a big box store.

And I have missed it! That personal touch. But not anymore. I found it again in my small town. A town working hard to offer unique opportunities to build the community.

And I will keep doing my part to support local efforts. I am committed to purchasing as much as I can for gift giving this holiday season from local retail stores. And I will continue to support other artisans like me, hustling at the local farmers markets and festivals.

It makes me feel good to know my purchases are making a difference to my small town and the community I live in.

I hope this holiday season you will consider doing the same, whether in small ways or larger ones.

I now know, from the owners themselves, every purchase makes a difference.

I like that.