Retail Therapy In Your Own Backyard

The air is crisp, the wheel of the year is turning, and old man winter is right around the corner. With the cold weather comes the hustle and bustle of the impending winter holidays and of course, all the shopping that goes with it.    

It is with thoughts like these that I encourage everyone to buy local in the coming months.

Why buy local?

Locally owned and operated establishments in your community provide goods and services with everything from soup to nuts.

Buying local is good for the environment because it saves energy by using less packaging and less transportation.

Buying local preserves the individuality of your community; those cute mom and pop diners and quaint little boutiques are what make your community interesting.

Keeping the money you spend within the community makes for a stronger local economy – which is beneficial to everyone.

Need some ideas on where to start?

This Channahon-Minooka Patch site has an expansive directory of the products and services available through businesses in your neighborhood. In addition  there is the Chanahon-Minooka Chamber of Commerce, which also has information about offerings right here in your community and Will Buy Locally, which lists local businesses throughout the Will County area. And, in the coming weeks, this site will list some unique gifts that you can get in your own backyard.

Let’s face it, big-box stores are all over the place but less of the money spent at these places stays in your community. And, who really wants to deal with door busting and midnight madness anyway?

So as the holidays approach, consider your options; whether you are voting with your dollar or simply supporting other folks in your community – shop early, shop often and shop local.