Senior Connections Senio rConnections Nov-Dec19

Real reasons to buy local 1. Help create jobs. If you buy your holiday goods from local shops, you’ll help generate a need to hire more employees. Retail jobs are relatively easy to qual- ify for, meaning that people who otherwise struggle to ﬁ nd work have a better chance of being hired. This allows them to secure income during the holidays and hopefully year-round. 2. Enjoy local traditions. Wherever you live, chances are there’s a unique holiday tradition that people in your community take part in. Perhaps it involves a special dish or a particular type of holiday decoration. Regard- less, it’s the perfect way to share something unique about your area with friends and relatives over the holidays. 3. Support non-proﬁ ts. Small businesses tend to give more money to non-proﬁ t organizations, especially local ones. By completing your holiday shopping in the area, you’re ensuring they can give generously to organiza- tions that help the less fortunate and other people in your region. 4. Get better customer service. Local business owners are passionate about their products. By buying local, you ensure that you’ll get the very best recommendations possible when making purchases. In fact, personalized customer service is a sure-ﬁ re way to guarantee you’ll get the perfect presents for your loved ones. And, even if you don’t, returning items will be a cinch. 5. Stay informed. Visiting local shops during the holi- day season is a great way to stay informed about what’s going on in your community. You’ll ﬁ nd out what holi- day events are taking place, get insider tips about the best products around and reinforce your sense of belonging. 6. Get fresh food. Visit butchers, breweries, bakeries and gourmet grocers in your area to enjoy an outstand- ing holiday feast. In fact, buying local is the best way to ﬁ nd exceptionally fresh produce, pastries, meats and dairy products. In some cases, you may even be able to sample them beforehand. Plus, your local retailers can give you advice on how to prepare their products. 7. Find unique presents. It’s easier to ﬁ nd something truly unique when shopping locally. While you could purchase creations off the internet, buying something from a local artist ensures it’ll be as special as the person you’re getting it for. Some items can even be personal- ized. 8. Eliminate stress. Shopping locally is a great way to eliminate stress. This is because you don’t need to worry about when packages will arrive or the possibil- ity that they might get stolen. Plus, you don’t have to be concerned about returns or exchanges, as these things are super easy to do when you buy your items from the retailers in town. 9. Support your local economy. Did you know that many small businesses make between 20 and 40 per cent of their annual income during the last two months of the year? November and December are crucial months and many stores rely on holiday sales to stay aﬂ oat. This hol- iday season, make sure to buy local so you can directly support the area’s economy. Advancing health specialties from allergies to women’s health through our physicians and partnerships. �� hutchhealth.com �� 24 Senior Connections Nov/Dec 2019 �� Senior Connections HJ.COM

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