Think Local First | DC Locals Mean Business!

This year start a new tradition

Holiday traditions are different for each person. Some include caroling and festive parades, others might include baking and writing holiday cards, but often, at the heart of most holiday traditions are people you care about. This year Think Local First DC would like to propose a new holiday tradition that is centered on people and caring—- By shopping local you are not only supporting your community while you give, you are caring for your friends, neighbors and family.

Did you know that the average person spends $704 on holiday gifts and seasonal decorations? And that $68 dollars of a purchase at a local independent retailer stays in your community? If all DC families would shift $100 of that holiday spending to local business over $135 MILLION dollars would be returned to the DC community?

More importantly, did you know that these independent business owners are trying to make a living just like you? They do this with the support of people like you. These businesses are often more convenient, have better service and a selection of items you will not find elsewhere. Did you know that these local shops and service providers and independently run restaurants make each decision with you in mind? They spend hours on end strategizing and buying best inventory of products and show up everyday to create the best experience for you—-their neighbors, friends and colleagues in the community. Do you think that a National Retailer is thinking of their neighbors when they order a bulk of items (often made in China?)

Think Local First DC challenges you to Shop Outside the (big) Box this holiday season. When you shop mindfully, doesn’t it feel more in line with the holiday spirit to know that your purchase will not only make the recipient happy, but will also support your neighbors and community?

Do holiday gifts need have to be made in China and sold at big-box stores? Why can’t they be hand-crafted, individually chosen and packaged artfully by the folks in your local stores? DC has a thriving retail community full of thoughtfully unique gifts, amazing customer service and personality.

For the person who has everything you can still Think Local First. How about a gift certificate from their favorite music venue, salon, or restaurant? Who wouldn’t love concert tickets, a gym membership, a massage or pedicure, or a free house cleaning? There is most often a local choice for most every dollar you spend. The idea is to rethink the holiday gift list so that it benefits the recipient and leaves you feeling good about where you spent your money.

Here’s to starting a new holiday tradition, here’s to Thinking Local First (DC) and Shopping Outside the (big) Box!

Yours locally,

Stacey Price, Executive Director of Think Local First DC

PS: (Forward this to everyone on your mailing list, post it to discussion groups, add your name and send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. Put it on Facebook, Twitter. *This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what the holidays are all about?)*

PPS: Take our Shop Outside the (big) Box Challenge