THIS ARTICLE APPEARS IN THE RED ROCK NEWS

November 17, 2023

 

Shopping locally not only creates a strong economy which is beneficial to our community, but it supports our small businesses and keeps your sales tax dollars in town.

Our small businesses account for the largest share of new jobs generated each year and provide some of the most stable employment opportunities in our area. Tourism supports over 10,000 jobs in Sedona and generates over $240 million in wages.

When buying from business owners you trust, shopping experiences become more enjoyable because you know where the products are coming from and the people behind the products. Artwork from local and regional artisans is widely available. Unique one-of-a-kind gifts can be found in our local shops. Freshly grown and locally sourced foods can be purchased at our Farmer’s Market. The list of incredible shopping experiences can go on and on. Local shopping is crucial to our economy. The success of local businesses attracts and encourages other entrepreneurs to start local businesses.

According to Local First Arizona, when you shop at a locally owned business, 45 cents of every dollar stays in Arizona. National chains contribute only 13 cents to our economy.

Black Friday — one of the biggest shopping days of the year after Thanksgiving — falls on Friday November 24. On Saturday, November 25, Small Business Saturday is celebrated. Join us to support our local small businesses.

Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up more than 99% of all businesses in the nation and employ more than 47% of the private workforce. While large chain retailers and online marketplaces get their due in the post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping rush, Small Business Saturday draws attention to the importance of small businesses and highlights their vital impact on local communities.

Choosing to spend locally allows money to be cycled back into our community, as local businesses give back and pay it forward to those in need.

Additionally, the Verde Valley is home to a treasure trove of cultural heritage sites and museums. Many of these have museum gift shops offering gifts for the coming holiday season — gifts that you may not find anywhere else. By shopping at these non-profit organizations, you will be providing much-needed support by spending some of your shopping dollars with them.

Check out the following museum gift shop locations including the Sedona Heritage Museum, Cottonwood’s Clemenceau Heritage Museum, Arizona Copper Art Museum gift store, Camp Verde Historical Museum, the Verde Valley Archeological Center and Museum, Fort Verde State Historic Park, Jerome State Historic Park, Jerome Mine Museum gift shop, the Western National Parks Association (WNPA) bookstore at Montezuma Castle National Monument and at Tuzigoot for unique items.

So, instead of waiting until Small Business Saturday to stop by a local retailer, go today to check out and uncover your new favorite places in town!

–Michelle Conway Kostecki, President/CEO
Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

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