Crystal McKnight Cox : “ Shop local for me is about keeping economic impact in the areas we call home . I love supporting locally-owned businesses and franchises with local owners . It also means supporting the local brick-and-mortar versions of your favorite retailers because that keeps local people employed and keeps dollars flowing through our local communities .”
Melissa Dye : “ Shopping local also means choosing to use beauty and wellness services provided by businesses in our local community rather than larger , non-local chains in Lexington , Louisville and other cities . These services can include things like haircuts , facials , massages , manicures , and cosmetic treatments . By opting for local businesses , you ’ re supporting local entrepreneurs and the local economy , often receiving a more personalized service . I ’ m shocked and saddened by all the small business owners , entrepreneurs and people running side gigs that plug Med Spas in other communities on social media when Somerset has several very experienced injectors .”
Tammie Nazario : “ Shop local-keep your money within your community , which makes me immediately think small business too . They go hand in hand . I prefer to patronize small business boutiques than large dept stores . The same with many other types of tangible purchases but to shop local includes anything you can purchase and do it within your community , including services .”
Juanita Crowder Lawson : “ Well it ’ s like this : Walmart , Belks , Kroger and other big box / franchise stores don ’ t have banners hanging on the fence at our kids ballgames . I pay attention to those banners . I support small hometown businesses who support our small hometown youth .”
Angela Strunk : “ When I hear shop local , I do think of the small businesses that the local individuals own and run , however that is not the only thing I think shop local means . Even if it is a big chain store that you are shopping at , most of the individuals that work there are also from our communities and we are also supporting them as that job is how they support their families . When I hear shop local , I think stay in your town and support the businesses in your town . That includes small businesses and large businesses as those provide jobs for local people .”
Marc E . Carter : “ I think it ’ s worth paying a little extra to support my neighbors and friends !”
Darlene Newell : “ We support local , so many people ride for me here so I must do the same ! Why wouldn ’ t you want to support your locals in your community , that ’ s how we grow and keep these small businesses going ! I love that about this town ! # smallbusinessowner ”
Bailey Charles : “ Boutique shopping over big box stores ! As a boutique owner I have really learned how important it is to shop local ! I will ALWAYS shop at the boutiques in town over bigger franchise stores , Amazon , or websites like Shein !”
Emm McGuire : “ Art ?...”
Amanda Balltrip : “ Seconding Emm McGuire , supporting local art and artists ! There are many opportunities to explore music , theatre , and visual art . Some examples that come to mind are Flashback Theater , Watershed Arts Alliance , Maker ’ s Mill , Shine House , Four Strings Music , Piano House , and more . AND independent artists abound , Emm included !”
Nikki Stewart Smith : “ I support business that support my daughter ’ s school and activities , which includes small businesses and locally owned franchises .”
Rebecca Davis : “ Shop local to me means , you purchase what you need and your want from the local community , within the county . It means all purchases , food , clothing , vehicles , gas , medication , medical care , insurance , entertainment , etc . Keeping your money circulating in the community helps everyone . I never understood why folks will say that they need to go to someplace else to shop . Then while away on the shopping trip , spend their money on food , gas , clothing , and whatever else they buy . All the money spent supports another community and their population , not Somerset and Pulaski County .”
Kim Weddle : “ Shopping at locally owned businesses instead of large chains . Those local businesses are who support our kids sports and academic teams . Giving back is what it ’ s all about . I ’ m happy to pay a little more to support that local business . I love seeing those who went out on a limb to open a place of business succeed !”
Maria J . Pyles : “ I try to shop at Somerset shops and stay away from big stores . That keeps my money here in Somerset . I also try to eat mostly at restaurants that are not chain places . There are so many great choices for food , restaurants , clothing , home grown products , bakeries , artsy items , and personalized items . I shop at so many places here and around the area .”
Dawn Blankenship : “ It means getting the freshest goods , literally can ’ t wait for the farmers market to be wide open , to helping people you know realize their dreams and aspirations . Everyone starts somewhere .”
Kristi Meharg : “ Shop local makes me think of using our finances to ‘ vote ’ on local companies who invest in our local community . We look for smaller names over big box chains , paying attention to companies that sponsor things that matter to my family . The closer to home , work , and play the better .”
Vickie Mcqueary : “ Shopping local isn ’ t just about transactions ; it ’ s about connections . It ’ s about supporting our neighbors , friends , and family , and helping their dreams come true . By choosing local businesses , we ’ re not just contributing to our local economy ; we ’ re investing in the future of our community .”
JUNE 2024 SEKY - Southeast Kentucky Life • 37