Shopping local benefits everyone

Shopping local this holiday season is a big push in every town. Locally owned shops need the customers and the local economy wouldn’t hurt to have the extra revenue. In Osceola there are numerous shops around the square and uptown on Highway 34 that sell unique and festive gifts during the holiday season.

When residents stay local to shop, 68 percent of the money will stay in the community whereas at a national chain store only 43 percent of the money goes back into the local economy. Local small business shopping has more benefit than online shopping too. Sales tax stays in the community for different community betterment projects unlike sales tax from online products that goes right out of the community.

Shopping locally is a good way to ensure that you’ll be able to find what you want in the future. Store owners in the community are able to get to know their customers better and supply what the customers are looking for more willingly than large chain stores.

“We depend on local customers making local buying decisions,” said Ronda Audlehelm of Flowers ‘N More.”

It gives shoppers a more personal experience and owners the opportunity to get to know people and find new and fun products to stock their shelves with.

Social Media is a great tool to use as well. When shopping locally, customers can post to social media about their finds and experiences for all their friends and followers to see. They can help to make the town a shopping destination, helping entrepreneurs and the local economy.

Osceola businesses seem to be doing well this holiday season with all the local shoppers. Relics’ best selling item has been holiday decor. Flowers ‘N More’s best selling item has been Poinsettia’s and their snowmen and light-up decorations have been flying off the shelves. Your Sweet Pickin’s Boutique’s best seller has been children’s apparel and their artisan hand-made jewelry has been a close second.

“If we’re keeping our money local it improves everything about our community,” said Robin Linskens of Your Sweet Pickin’s Boutique. “If it’s a family business you’re supporting a families dreams.”