The holiday season is up on us! Along with the parties we need to attend, the holiday decorating we need to do and everything else that comes along with the holiday season, gift buying is usually high on everyone’s to-do list. Whether you are buying just for friends and family or you’re a business owner and must also think about clients and employees, one of the most important pieces of advice is to focus on buying from locally owned companies as much as possible.
“Lincoln is a beautiful community,” Sarah Mullins, owner of Hallow Candle Company, states. “One of the reasons is because we have such an active local business scene. Supporting local keeps our community fresh and unique and a place where you can experience things you can’t anywhere else!”
Everyone wants their hometown to have its own personality, its own ‘vibe’. Why would you want to live somewhere that is just like everywhere else? What makes towns and cities unique are not their chain stores and restaurants that are found in every other town in America. It’s their local stores that have personality, uniqueness and local flair that can only come from being owned and operated by someone who lives here. This is not only beneficial for the people who live here, but it also increases tourism as well. Why would anyone choose to visit a city that is just like the one they already live in or ones they have visited in the past? People visit other places for something different, something unique, something they can’t find anywhere else.
“When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in Lincoln because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses and services providers,” explains Chad Case with Max Muscle. “Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the local tax base. Local businesses are largely owned by people who live in or around Lincoln, which makes them less likely to leave and makes them more invested in Lincoln’s welfare and future.”
Dennis Stewart with Fast Frame of Lincoln adds, “When an individual or another business purchases from a locally owned business, studies have concluded those businesses have returned over 50% of those purchase dollars into other locally owned businesses, whereas ‘big box’ stores returned less than 15%. Locally owned businesses bank at local banks, purchase office supplies from local suppliers and support local development/redevelopment at a much higher return than ‘big box’ companies.”
Kris Hall with Smoking Gun Jerky has this to say about buying local: “Small businesses are vital for community growth. As a small business, we rely on our community to support our business. We in turn support our community’s various projects with donations to fundraisers, charities and local organizations.”
The support that local businesses give to area charities and non-profits is a huge reason to shop locally and one that many people don’t think of when decided where to make their purchases. Think about it for a moment: why would the owners (or board of directors, etc.) of a huge chain store based in New York City care what happened to a Lincoln homeless shelter or a Lincoln non-profit that helps women who have are facing domestic violence issues? They need to think about the hundreds or thousands of stores they have spread across the nation and simply cannot give the personal attention to each community they are in. Local owners, on the other hand, are members of our community and know the important work local non-profits do. Many of them get personally involved with non-profits, either serving on the board, holding fund-raisers or simply volunteering their time or allowing their employees to take off time to volunteer. The support local businesses give our non-profit community is vital to their missions and the good work they do in our neighborhoods on a daily basis.
Local business owners and employees are also more likely to join and be active in groups and associations, such as the Chamber of Commerce, neighborhood groups and organizations that help promote small business such as Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA). All of these groups share the goal to improve our community and make it a better place to live, work and own a business, so why would you not want to support businesses that participate in them?
Kris Hall continues, “When you shop out of town or online, you are not recognizing the value that you can get from hometown vendors. Our business growth creates local jobs, which helps provide economic rewards for our city. Smoking Gun Jerky is very conscious about using quality meats, healthy ingredients, and providing exceptional customer service. We purchase our meat and supplies from other local businesses, which helps us all grow. We pride ourselves on meeting the needs of the community we serve. Every customer is important to us and we have built our business on integrity and our Nebraska values.”
When you visit a local store, you are often working with the owner. We all know that owners of businesses have more of a vested interest in its success than someone who is just an employee. When you shop at a locally owned store, you’re often getting help directly from the owner. That just makes them more likely to be helpful, informative and to give you the top-notch customer service you deserve. After all, they know that the lifeblood of their business is by giving the service that keeps their customers coming back again and again!
“Supporting local businesses is always important,” Jeff White with Colby Ridge Popcorn adds. “We try and buy as many things locally as we possibly can because we know it’s just good for the local economy and because we want those local companies to in turn support us.”
Even employees who work for local businesses are more likely to spend their personal dollars locally. Matthew Scheef with Eakes Office Plus says, “I try to make an effort to buy locally with everything I do, whether it’s going out to eat at a restaurant, buying tools from a hardware store or shopping for clothes. I will buy locally even if the prices are higher because I understand how that purchase can affect others locally.”
Bob Bauerle with Nebraska Golf & Turf sums up, “Buying from local businesses helps the economy and the money stays in the community and benefits others. Many people think it’s more expensive to buy local, but in reality it saves them money as local businesses can usually beat corporate prices.”
Buying from local companies has more benefits than just helping out the economy and the community, though this is reason alone to spend as many of your dollars locally as possible. However, you’ll also probably find that you will benefit in many other ways when you patronize local businesses.
“We can provide on-site consultations to our customers, demo products and be able to fix any issue they may have on-site, which Internet companies are not able to do,” says Matthew Scheef with Eakes Office Plus. “Also, we have a knowledgeable staff who knows the products and the local businesses. They understand what you are looking for and give you personal attention.”
When you buy something that has the potential to need repairs or is a high price item, it’s always a good idea to buy local. Take pools and hot tubs, for example. If you choose one off the Internet or from a ‘big box’ store, who do you think will be there to answer your questions if you have problems? You might have a difficult time finding someone who is knowledgeable about your product and knows how to help, let alone someone who will come out and make the repairs for you. In contrast, when you buy from a local business such as Bonsall Pool & Spa, you will know that the local owners will be around should any problems arise. Because they are part of the community, they know the importance of providing excellent customer service to their friends and neighbors and you never have to worry that you’ll be left out in the cold with a product that no long works. This is also excellent peace of mind if you are giving a pool or hot tub as a holiday gift as you will also be giving the gift of a local company that can back up their product.
“We separate ourselves from the larger chains and internet companies in virtually every way possible,” states Dennis Stewart with Fast Frame. “We have the largest selection of frames, mats and glass, not only in Lincoln, but also of almost every internet retailer. We offer over 3,700 different framing samples on our walls and another 5,000 plus via catalogs, over 3,000 mat and liner choices and even over 15 different glazing choices where our large chain retailers offer fewer than 300 frames and far fewer choices of mats and glazing.
Second, all of our projects are completed in our store, including the cutting of all frames, mats, glass and materials, whereas chains have all work completed at production facilities in other states, then shipped to local stores, which is why it takes three or even four times longer to get your finished project back. Our pricing is also not a “smoke and mirror” game by using percentage off coupons and offers where the prices are raised only to cut them in half. When you are quoted a price on identical items, our everyday price is their sale price. Finally, our industry-leading design and craftsmanship guarantee includes a 30-day guarantee on design and a lifetime guarantee on craftsmanship. If you don’t love the look of your finished farmed artwork, we will re-craft or redesign your price, in the same price range, within 30 days of the sale at no additional charge. We couldn’t offer such an extraordinary guarantee if we weren’t absolutely sure we could meet or beat your expectations.”
Max Muscle is another locally owned business that can beat competitors in selection. “We are the exclusive carriers of premium lines or products such as MMSN, Athlete’s Choice and Hans Drake, just to name a few. We also offer full-service meal planning. We are the only nutrition store in town that I’m aware of that does this. We staff Certified Nutritionists and are different in that we are able to write a fully customized meal plan specifically for you based off your metabolic needs. We provide weekly follow-ups to check progress on lead body mass vs body fat. Too often, people measure success on an eating plan by the scale and the scale alone. The scale only paints part of the picture and we need to make sure that the way we eat is supporting the loss of body fat and preserving lean muscle mass. We are able to quickly measure body composition with the Futrex Machine, which is cutting edge technology. It allows a client to sit in comfort and have their body composition taken in literally 30 seconds. From this and a complimentary Nutritional assessment, we are able to figure out your Nutritional Blueprint; in other words, what you need to eat each day to reach the goals you have set for yourself. Whether that is weight loss, lowering cholesterol, muscle gain, boosting athletic performance, or simply having more energy and feeling good, we can help people from all walks of life.”
“Smoking Gun Jerky is a one-of-a-kind store,” Kris Hall explains. “We make our jerky fresh every day with meat purchased from Del Gould Meats here in Lincoln. We offer over 25 flavors and heat levels of jerky, which can probably not be found at any other one location anywhere! Our freshness, quality and homemade taste cannot be found in processed jerky that has set on a shelf for months. We also can personalize gift baskets and make specialty packaging for our customers in a matter of minutes. Our customer service is a top priority and the personal attention we give each order is far beyond those who mass produce their products.”
Nebraska Golf & Turf offers a variety of golf cars and carts for golfers and non-golfers alike. Bob often works with people who have considered buying off the internet, but says, “We know we can offer the personal services and knowledge of the product that they are looking for. Customers can come in and see what they are going to get rather than hoping they get what they paid for using the internet.”
Locally owned businesses have a wide variety of gifts for you to give this season, whether you are looking to bring a smile to your significant other’s face or strengthen the relationship you have with one of your best clients.
“Buying local isn’t just a good move for the city and the businesses in it, it’s a good move for you during the gift-giving seasons as well,” says Sarah Mullins with Hallow Candle Company. “Giving someone a gift from your community shows you’ve put in thought and you can be pretty sure you won’t be giving them something they already have. At Hallow, we not only expand our seasonal line of candles to include holidays smells like Christmas Tree, Pear Spice and Cinnamon Buns (among others), but we also expand our local fare with products from over 14 other Nebraska businesses. So, whether you need a new fragrance, home décor or jewelry and spa products, we’ve got them all covered and all local!”
When you buy from a local store, you are often buying more of a piece of art rather than something that is mass-produced and will be found in homes around the world. For example, consider working with a local craftsman such as David Hergenrader with Classic Wood. If you have a special someone on your list that you want a custom-made piece of furniture for, you can’t go wrong with Classic Wood. Instead of choosing something out of a catalog or from a website, you will be personally working with the craftsman and be able to describe exactly what you are envisioning. The gift that results will be completely unique and cherished for generations to come. Whether you want to give a keepsake chest, a rocking chair, a custom crib for someone expecting a baby or a full dinette table and chairs, you will know that you are giving the highest quality gift possible.
ArtGlass Unlimited is another locally owned store that you can shop at and know that not only will you be supporting a wonderful local business, but you’ll also be getting a unique gift that is sure to please. ArtGlass has glass gifts such as vases, artwork and sun catchers or you can purchase a gift certificate for that decorative glass lover on your list. Not only can they go in and pick out exactly what they want, but they could also use it for one of ArtGlass Unlimited’s many classes where they can create their own piece of art!
Jaime Incontro with Boudoir Boutique says, “Boudoir photography is one of the most personal gifts you can give to your significant other and no one else can give him the same gift! What guy doesn’t want some sexy images of his lady? We are booking now for those women who want their image ready in time for Christmas. Our mission at Boudoir Boutique is to make every woman feel drop-dead gorgeous. Every woman has it inside her, she just needs the encouragement. We will help capture your unique beauty. It sounds scary, but do it! You will walk away feeling on top of the world! I also like to tell women that we photograph all shapes, sizes, ages and walks of life. Do not wait until you have ‘lost a few more pounds’. As we all know, life is busy. Celebrate who you are right now. You are beautiful on the inside and out. Your guy knows it and he already loves you just the way you are.”
If boudoir photography is a little too racy for you, you can still visit a local photographer for some portraits of your family, pet pictures or other pictures that you can get framed and give as gifts. Grandparents always love framed photos of the little ones and family portraits are the perfect way to remember this moment in time in your beloved family’s lives. Pictures are also good this time of year to send in holiday cards. If you’re like most people, you think every year that you will be on the ball and get some family pictures taken to send out to faraway relatives and friends in your yearly cards and you always let time slip away from you. Don’t let that happen again this year! Get your portrait time scheduled so you’ll be able to show off your lovely family this year.
Do you have a wine lover on your list? Then a gift from James Arthur Vineyards could be just right. This local vineyard’s wines have won countless awards across the country, including “Best of Show”, many “Best of Class” awards and “Double Gold”, so you’ll know that you are giving the absolute best. If you don’t want to give a bottle of wine, you can also provide the gift of an experience at James Arthur. This 6,000 square feet winery features a first class tasting room, gift shop and production facility tour, private tours for groups, winemakers dinners, cellar master classes, wine and massage packages and even murder mystery events. A great idea for a friend, mother or significant other is to plan an event that you can attend together. Make it a ‘date night’ with your spouse or a ‘mother and daughter’ evening with your mom. Not only will you be giving them a great experience and expose them to some excellent locally made wine, but you’ll also be giving them the gift of time together.
Another great idea to encourage time together is to book classes Husker Divers and learn how to become certified in scuba
diving. You can book classes for the entire family and spend time together while learning a fun new hobby, then cap off the classes with a wonderful scuba diving trip together. Even though you’ll be leaving our community to take the vacation, you will be spending your money here to a local owner rather than taking the classes at your vacation site.
Jeff White with Colby Ridge knows that with their ability to customize, they can create a gift that will please anyone on your list. “We don’t just sell ten items and that’s it,” he explains. “We can customize gifts with your business information and can customize gifts to fit any budget. We try to accommodate everyone’s tastes and budget. One of my favorite gifts we carry are chocolate covered potato chips, which are to die for! They are all individually hand-dipped in some of the finest chocolate around. They are also a very unique gift that can set you apart from other people.”
Who can resist a gift of food? One of the best thing about giving food as a gift is that it can be shared. Taking a gift basket full of meats, cheeses and crackers to family gathering or delivering a dozen cookies to one of your clients’ offices with a few business cards is a great way to make a large number of people happy without having to spend too much.
If you are wanting to buy gift baskets filled with yummy treats this year, make sure you know what you’re getting. Charlotte Ralston with R.U. Nuts Co. explains, “You really need to watch what you pay for when it comes to gift baskets. Many companies fill their baskets with fluff and filler items, which means that, per pound, you’re paying quite a high price for the food items in the basket. We make sure we fill out baskets with excellent, high quality foods and keep filler items to a minimum.” Working with a local company where you can work directly with an owner or manager is the best way to ensure you are getting the most ‘bang for your buck’ and getting the high-quality products your clients or friends will love.
Dennis Stewart of Fast Frame gets to see a number of different types of gifts as they customize so much for their customers. “We really have a lot of favorites since every project is as unique as the individual who brings it in,” he says. “We have framed everything from a hand-stitched American flag that has been documented as being flown in the civil war, military ribbons and medals from WWII, cross-stitch and needle points that commemorate special events, jerseys and sports memorabilia, photos of vacations, families, weddings, babies…there is just no end to the great projects we get to see all year round.”
Bob Bauerle at Nebraska Golf & Turf’s carts are perfect for that person who has almost everything. “We sell carts that are street legal and have seen customers from farmers, to apartment complex managers to people with small acreages. We see people more now using the carts for multiple recreational purposes.”
The holidays will be upon us before we know it and almost all of us will be doing plenty of gift shopping. Your list may be limited to friends, family and neighbors or it may broaden to include employees, clients, customers and colleagues. No matter how large or small your list, every dollar that you spend at locally owned stores goes to work in the community we all live and work in and will help to make it a better place. The next time you think about cruising your favorite shopping site or taking an out of town shopping trip (or even popping into that big box store that is in your way home from work), think about all the benefits that come from shopping locally. This might make you think twice and drive a little further to visit that shop where the owner always greets you by name and is almost as excited about the purchase you’ll make as the gift recipient will be.
Happy holidays and happy LOCAL shopping!!!