BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – As holiday shopping continues, local business owners are encouraging customers to consider small businesses over large retailers for their gift purchases.
While online shopping from major manufacturers offers convenience, downtown merchants say local businesses provide unique items and direct community benefits.
“I challenge you, if you have not been downtown, to get out and come downtown because, number one, it’s just fun to walk around your square,” said Rachel Summar, owner and manager of Candle Makers on the Square. “And, you know, it’s just fun to find something unique.”
Personal connection drives local business
Local artisans say they create products that connect with customers on a personal level.
“I feel like there was just a lot of desire and need for just pieces that felt really connecting to people and where they lived and just wanting to celebrate just places that they just mean so much to them,” said one Caroline Haggerty the owner of Caroline Haggerty Art. “And I wanted to create pieces that really just touched them and felt so personal.”
Economic impact of shopping small
According to Capitol One research, local businesses maintain almost 300% more revenue for the local economy compared to chain stores.
“All the money that comes here, you know, through our vendors, you know, go back into our community in a lot of different ways, not just through our store, our employees, but back into our artists and people that are making things and creating here in our community,” Summar said.
Local businesses like Candle Makers on the Square and other downtown shops are asking customers to consider shopping small this holiday season.
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