Shop local, the nice choice

“Shop local” is more than slogan pushed by local chambers of commerce. It’s an attitude and approach to helping our vibrant and diverse Mat-Su Valley flourish as we continue to grow.

With that growth comes more retail choices for local shoppers than ever before this holiday season. Target and Sportsman’s Warehouse have joined the local big box retail scene, and more national chains are focusing on the Valley to expand. While we don’t discourage shopping at these large national retailers, we encourage all to consider the benefits of maintaining those long-standing relationships with local merchants.

The holiday spirit is one of giving and generosity, and while the prospect of one-stop shopping may be appealing to those with hectic schedules, convenience is a poor substitute for the satisfaction and neighborly good cheer that can be found by patronizing a variety of local stores to fill out that holiday list.

Like a favorite local restaurant, there’s no substitute for maintaining a relationship with your favorite local retail store. Like eating at a fast food restaurant, you know what you’re going to get no matter whether you’re in Wasilla, Palmer, Seattle or Denver. But when asked to name your favorite eatery, it’s the locally owned and unique place you remember.

The same should be true for shopping locally, which as important today as ever. During times of economic downturn, like we’re experiencing now, it’s easy to choose the lowest common denominator and go for the bargain. The real bargain is spending our hard-earned dollars so that spending has the most beneficial impact for all.

Shopping locally does this. Money spent at locally owned businesses stays here, is reinvested here and circulates throughout the Mat-Su Valley.

That’s not to say there isn’t a need or place for the convenience of national chain stores. But when it comes to making your lists, checking them twice, the nice choice is to shop local.