Shop Local this Saturday

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 30, when shoppers are encouraged to shift a portion of their holiday spending from big box stores to locally owned businesses.

A new survey says 78% of Americans are the same or more likely to shop at local businesses this year than previously. Of those, Gen Z was the most likely to patronize local retailers. Top reasons were wanting to support their local economy, better customer service and preferring unique or handmade products.

But Local First Arizona wants to remind shoppers that the entire holiday season is a great time to “shop local” to find unique gifts for loved ones and delicious foods for holiday feasts.

Why shop local? Your dollar goes farther to support your community. Studies show that:

• For every $100 spent at a local business, $45 stays local vs. $13 when you buy at a chain
• For every two jobs that a big box store creates, three jobs are lost from local businesses
• For every $10 million in sales, local retailers will support 110 jobs while Amazon will only support 14 jobs

Find where to shop locally in two easy ways:

• Search the Local First Arizona Business Directory for businesses near you at localfirstaz.com/directory
• Search the Good Food Finder for farmers markets and locally grown foods at goodfoodfinder.com

“Local retailers and grocery stores have the most delightful gifts for your loved ones and the freshest ingredients for delicious meals,” Local First Founder and CEO Kimber Lanning said. “Savor the holidays this year by visiting locally owned businesses near you and make a positive impact on your community by keeping your dollars right here in Arizona.”

Unique Holiday Gifts

TimberTote – What happens when a carpenter and a fashionista team up? These wildly popular, handcrafted wooden purses are the answer, featuring an array of vibrant colors and styles. Available at Retail Therapy at Scottsdale Fashion Square, Proper Shops in Tucson and at timbertotepurse.com.

Sport Class Customs – The woodworker of TimberTote fame also crafts unique carved cocktail smokers, cigar holders and cutting boards at sportclasscustoms.com. 

Carolina Madrid Accessories – Carolina Madrid, a graduate of Local First Arizona’s Spanish-language Fuerza Local Business Accelerator, sells handmade jewelry on Facebook, Instagram and at markets across the Valley.

Alla Herbs – Bath and body products made with all-organic and wild harvested herbs come from this graduate of Local First’s We Rise Business Accelerator for Black entrepreneurs. Find your favorite relaxing scent at allaherbs.com.

Kidprenuers – You don’t have to be an adult to be an entrepreneur! Two Phoenix brothers launched this gamified online academy, books and coaching to teach kids how to build their own businesses at kidpreneurs.org.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix – The aMUSE gift shop is full of fun and educational toys for the little ones in your life, while a museum membership offers fun year-round. Learn more at childrensmuseumofphoenix.org.

Sole Sports Running Zone – Get your favorite runner all the gear they need, including expert fitting advice, from shoes and socks to sunglasses and apparel. Open 7 days a week at five locations in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale and Gilbert. Shop online at solesportsrunning.com. 

Delicious holiday treats

Spinato's Pizzeria & Family Kitchen – Treat your loved ones to a gift basket or stocking stuffers such as marinara sauce, seasonings, pizza cutters, seed pops to grow herbs at home and even scented candles inspired by Italian cooking. Available at any of six locations in Tempe, Phoenix, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale and Gilbert. Info at SpinatosPizzeria.com. 

Chewk’s Cookies – Dreamed up during a class project by two Grand Canyon University students, these deliciously chewy cookies are just like your grandma made them. Sold at a new midtown Phoenix store, pop-up at ASU in Tempe and online at chewkscookies.com.

Palmettes – Naturally sweet, gluten-free and vegan, these premium Medjool dates stuffed with pistachio, glazed orange peel and more are the locally sourced, guilt-free dessert you've been searching for. Order at palmettes.com.

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. – Seasonal and year-round beers, ales and natural wines are made with a commitment to water conservation and can be found at pubs in Phoenix and Gilbert, as well as most groceries and alcohol retailers. Restaurant gift certificates, hats, shirts and other merch can be ordered online at azwbeer.com.

About Local First Arizona

Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona is a community and economic development organization working to strengthen local economies. Local First’s areas of focus include developing entrepreneurship; rural, tribal and urban community development; racial equity; environmental action and food access. Local First is the largest local business coalition in the U.S. and advocates for independently owned businesses of all sizes by assisting local owners with technical assistance designed to help them compete and collaborate, which ultimately strengthens Arizona's economy and builds hometown pride. Visit localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of locally-owned businesses.