Shop Local This Holiday Season
As the year comes to a close, many Missourians are busy preparing for the holiday season. There’s so much to do, from grocery shopping to gift buying, that it might not seem important where you decide to spend your hard-earned money. However, choosing to shop at locally owned stores can give a tremendous boost to our local economy, helping the state’s backbone of small-business entrepreneurs. I encourage residents of the 12th Senatorial District, and all Missourians, to shop local and support our small businesses this holiday season.
When you buy a product from a local seller, that money continues to circulate in our community. This tends to have ripple effects beyond the immediate purchase; by patronizing a nearby vendor, you help pay the local employees, and support families in our communities.
By choosing to shop at a local store, you can take pride in knowing your money is supporting the livelihood of a fellow Missourian. The more you spend, the more jobs these businesses can create for our friends and neighbors who work hard for a good, honest paycheck. Even some of the so called “chain” stores are actually regionally owned stores and much of the money stays in the state.
Visiting local stores is a great way to get to know those who live and work nearby. In a world of constant internet and social media usage, there’s something to be said for the personal connection that exists between a small-business owner and his or her loyal customers.
This holiday season is a good time to visit many of these stores in person and feel the excitement of the holidays, rather than just browse the webpages online. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.