Make It A Shop Small Christmas

A recent editorial in the New York Times said “Forget Amazon. The best gifts are closer than you think.” That’s just one reason to do your shopping closer to home. Shopping locally has many advantages over shopping online like a lot more of your money stays here in our community. Also, local businesses are the ones who are constantly hit on throughout the year to give to local causes and organizations. If we don’t support local now its not likely they will be able to help us out much later on. It just works that way. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Amazon or Etsy or the like donating to a local cause.

Shopping local is way better than purchasing online, that’s why MainStreet DeLand has its “Brick Before You Click” promotion. For a stress free Christmas, shop local. When you make your purchases, you get to take them home with you. There’s no need to worry about how many cargo ships are backed up or how many more truckers are needed.

Shopping local and SMALL is your best bet! You could shop local in a big box store, lots of people do. If large crowds and self-service check out appeal to you, there are plenty of big boxes to choose from. But, if you’re looking to really support local and to find something unique this Holiday season, shopping small IS your best stress free option.

Spread the joy in your community by shopping small. Enjoy this Christmas by supporting your community and your favorite independent retailers. Forget Amazon. The best gifts are closer than you think!

Wayne Carter
Executive Director
MainStreet DeLand Association