The holiday season is now upon us. From store to store, people travel frantically trying to find the perfect gifts, while others excitedly try to find a good deal. In the large department stores there is hardly any room to move, because they are filled with so many people.

Despite the large number of chain businesses booming at this time of year, there are many small businesses that are not recognized or appreciated sufficiently during this time of year.

These are the shops that sponsor local sports teams, donate to neighborhood fundraisers, and support the schools of the area. Yet during the holidays, many forget about these helpful establishments.

Now is the time that we as a community can give back to these small shops. This holiday season purchase things from local stores instead of chain businesses.

For example, buy a turkey or ham from a nearby butcher, for Christmas dinner. One could also shop for a gift for a child at a privately owned toy shop. Get something from a small boutique for a mother or sister. These possibilities of shopping locally are extensive and rewarding. To explain, for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local economy compared to only $43 if spent at a national chain, according to Civic Economics: a study onGrand Rapids,Michigan2008.

“It (shopping locally) is more of an adventure, because every time I go out I find things that I didn’t know existed,” saidMilfordHigh Schoolsophomore, Lilianna May. When referring to downtownMilfordshe embraces its faults. “It doesn’t have the stuff parents are usually looking to buy for their kids,” May stated to explain why many do not shop for gifts in the area.

“DowntownMilfordis a good place to shop for little souvenirs ofMilford, or other small things,” May stated as a pro of shopping onMain Street. In addition, many people of the community live within walking distance of a local shop. Traveling time is not holding anyone back yet, most choose to shop elsewhere.

The appeal of an enclosed shopping center is very enticing, the items are closer together, and there is a wide variety of gifts under one roof. “Local stores do not have the electronics of department stores. Department stores usually have cheaper prices,” May expressed as to why department stores are more convenient.

Chain establishments may be large and convenient, but neighborhood businesses provide something that chain stores never could, a sense of family or community. Local shops also provide unique gifts that do not have the chance of being the same as another gift.

These small businesses have many amazing qualities that can not be matched by large businesses. Buying things from these stores gives back to everything that they have done for our district. Also, shopping at these establishments can be an exciting activity where new or different objects can be discovered. There are many positive outcomes that can result from buying locally.