What I buy is not as important as the place and shopkeepers I buy it from.
After all these years of writing about local merchants, I’ve developed a keen insight into and relationship with the small businesses that make our community special.
New stores, or even existing ones, reflect the owners and the stories they want to tell. It’s a mirror into their taste, creativity and carefully selected merchandising.
While old and new generations are still discovering these unique boutiques and mom-and-pop shops, part of the appeal is their lure as community gathering places and the socialization that comes with them.
Although it feels like the Grinch stole every holiday this year, our small stores are still gamely puttin’ on the Ritz. Usually, December is the best retail month of the year, but Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest lockdown order — which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday — will likely deliver a devastating blow this Christmas.
Still, our children — who have lost so much social and educational time over the last 10 months — need love and goodies. It is even more vital to their young lives this year that we create joy for them even though many of us are feeling socially disconnected and uninspired.
For adults, of course, we all would just like some holiday cheer — accompanied by wine or champagne, savory and sweet edibles and something pretty to lift us up.
Aside from social distancing and wearing masks while we’re out and about, one of the next best things we can do for our community is to shop at local businesses. They need our help to ensure they’ll be around when the nightmare of COVID-19 is behind us.
In spite of the stay-at-home order, stores will be open — with a very limited occupancy — so get out of the house and gather your gifts for yourself or loved ones.
Most stores have websites, and offer gift cards and curbside pickup. Many will deliver to your home, and sales associates are always eager to personalize the presents on your list.
It’s that kind of personal service that makes me feel like I’m giving back while spending my dollars. Please join me in shopping local.
Thank you to all of my readers and friends. Stay safe, and happy holidays!
Shop Local F.Y.I.
Noozhawk has debuted a new Shop Local Guide to help local businesses promote their products and services. Click here for more information.
— Judy Foreman is a Noozhawk columnist and longtime local writer and lifestyles observer. She can be contacted at news@noozhawk.com. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are her own.