Why Does Shopping Local During the Holidays Build Stronger Communities?

This article was inspired by an online piece titled 'Shop Local First This Holiday Season' by Hanna Singh, published on the Lincoln Parish Journal website on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

The holiday season is a magical time, isn’t it? The air feels crisper, the streets sparkle with festive lights, and there's a contagious excitement in every corner of town. But beyond the gift-giving, the holiday songs, and the gatherings with family and friends, there’s something even more meaningful we can do to make this time of year truly special: give back to our community by shopping locally.

When you think about it, shopping locally is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to support your town or city. It’s not just about buying goods; it’s about investing in the place you call home. Every dollar spent at a local business stays within the community, funding vital services such as education, infrastructure, and public safety. Unlike online giants or out-of-town chains, local businesses reinvest in the area. That means better schools, smoother roads, safer neighborhoods, and a better quality of life for everyone—including you.

Picture this: you’re strolling through Ruston’s charming downtown, the aroma of fresh coffee wafting from a local café. You pop into a boutique where the owner greets you by name and helps you find the perfect gift for your best friend. Maybe you stop by a family-owned bookstore, where your purchase helps a child attend a better-funded school or contributes to filling potholes on your drive home. These small, seemingly simple decisions create a ripple effect that makes our community stronger.

Think about the impact on our local businesses. These are not faceless corporations; they are your neighbors, your friends, and your family members. The coffee shop owner who greets you every morning, the florist who creates stunning bouquets for your special occasions, the boutique owner who curates unique finds—they all depend on our support, especially during the holiday season. When we choose to shop local, we’re not just supporting their businesses; we’re supporting their dreams, their families, and their futures.

Keeping Money in the Community

One of the most significant benefits of shopping locally is that the money stays within the community. According to research cited by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR), for every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $68 remains in the local economy, compared to just $43 when shopping at a national chain. Shopping online with out-of-state retailers contributes even less, as nearly all of that money leaves the community. Learn more here.

What does this mean for Ruston? It means that your dollars are funding local projects, schools, and public services. They’re helping to build playgrounds for our children, maintain our parks, and support community programs that enrich our lives. Every dollar you spend locally is a vote of confidence in Ruston’s future.

Creating Jobs and Opportunities

Local businesses are some of the largest employers in our community. From the teenager working their first job at a local bakery to the full-time employee managing a family-owned hardware store, shopping locally supports real people with real dreams. These businesses offer jobs that keep our friends and neighbors employed and provide opportunities for young people to start their careers right here in Ruston.

The holiday season is especially critical for these businesses. For many, it’s the time of year that makes or breaks their success. When we choose to shop local for gifts, decorations, and holiday treats, we’re helping ensure these businesses can keep their doors open, pay their employees, and continue to contribute to our community’s economy.

Building Relationships and Trust

Shopping locally is about more than just making purchases; it's about fostering meaningful relationships. When you visit a local business, you’re often greeted by friendly faces who recognize you by name, inquire about your family, and genuinely value your presence. For example, businesses in Ruston, such as local boutiques and specialty shops highlighted on the Experience Ruston shopping page, showcase this personal touch. These connections build trust, create a sense of community, and transform everyday shopping into a truly enriching experience.

Think about the last time you visited a big-box store or ordered something online. Did anyone ask about your day? Did you feel like your purchase made a difference? Probably not. But when you shop locally, you’re contributing to a sense of community that makes Ruston a place we’re all proud to call home.

Preserving the Character of Our Town

Ruston is unique. Its charm, its character, its people—these are the things that make it special. Local businesses are a big part of that. They’re the reason our downtown feels vibrant and welcoming, why our streets are lined with shops that offer one-of-a-kind finds, and why our community stands out from the rest.

When you shop at a local business, you’re supporting the individuality and creativity that make Ruston, well, Ruston. You’re helping to preserve the character of our town for future generations to enjoy.