Keep your money in your community by committing to support local merchants during the holiday season. Instead of giving your money to out-of-county stores this Christmas, consider making a commitment to buy local during the Christmas shopping season. There are some local businesses that can be found in most areas that deserve more than a drive-by glance this holiday shopping season.
Christmas retail shops are generally small, locally owned stores. There are a treasure trove of interesting gifts for young and old. Toys, books, gift certificates, flowers and plants, jewelry, custom printed shirts, satellite radio, the perfect sweater, pet gifts, wine, art from local artists and more can all be found in Lake County.
Find Christmas ornaments and unusual gifts at local gift shops. Almost every town has a locally-owned gift shop. These stores are often quaint and filled to the brim with holiday ornaments, decorations and unusual gifts. Gift shops are a great place to find a wide range of Christmas gifts ? from cookbooks to jewelry.
Give the gift of service for those busy people in your life. There is an abundance of service-oriented businesses and they offer gift certificates so that your loved ones can just call and get what they need. The time saved by those you love will benefit over and over by giving them that chance to sit and relax or give you a call to say hello!
Take a Christmas shopping break at a locally-owned restaurant. Whether you live in the north, south, east or west of the lake, step off the beaten path and choose a locally-owned restaurant for your holiday shopping lunch break. You”ll find delicious food, locally inspired d?cor and may be greeted by the actual business owner. Gift certificates for dinners are a great gift!
Win $1,000 for shopping local this holiday season. Local merchants are offering a $1,000 raffle to those shopping local this holiday season. Who knew you could save money and make money for shopping local!
Lori Peters, Executive Director
Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce
Clearlake
