There are many reasons to shop locally this holiday season. Aside from the obvious reasons that it will support local jobs, contribute to our neighborhood vitality and keep money circulating within the community, there are plenty of selfish reasons why I shop locally.
In fact, the last three years, I have been able to buy ALL of my holiday gifts in locally owned stores in our struggling downtowns without having to take one step into a mall. Ypsilanti has my favorite shops but it’s always fun shopping in other towns with their unique stores. But, the best part is that there hasn’t been a single person on my list for which I couldn’t find a gift!
And, not only did I find reasonable prices, but I also found that parking was great (no fighting for that spot a mile away from the mall) and the shoppers and storekeepers were friendly and happy to help me because they weren’t stressed out from battling the crowds. Truthfully, it is what holiday shopping should be!
So, folks, make sure you hit the local stores FIRST this year before heading to the mall on Black Friday.
Rachel Cuschieri-Murray Ferndale (formerly of Ypsilanti)
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