Support the Communities You Love by Shopping Local for the Holidays
By Will Estell
We’ve all heard the benefits over-and-over, from social memes to chamber advertising to local news outlets. But do we really shop local as much as we could and should?
It’s no secret that many of our friends and family may be smackdab in the middle of the holiday buying spree; some of them a little extra stressed this season due to somewhat treacherous financial times. Don’t fret though. Shopping local doesn’t really cost more as many incorrectly assume. It can also be faster, as well as sending a positive message to those you’re gifting: Locally sourced presents do more than simply gifting the receiver — they actually gift a local business, and our entire community’s economy. Our local businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing employment opportunities and retaining wealth within our community. How can you not love that extra special “keep Christ in Christmas” touch?
Another plus of keeping more of your holiday shopping local is that it creates the opportunity to gift the ones you love with unique items that can potentially mean so much more to them, especially in the long run than another run-of-the-mill item from some big box online retailer.
Do you remember what the hottest new toy, or must-have fashion accessory was the Christmas before last? How about last year? See what I mean? Me either. But, I do still recall and relish that personalized and signed, cool, one-off Cowboy painting by local South Walton artist and musician extraordinaire, Chris Coleman, that someone gave me in 2020 that still hangs in our living room today. And the local branded apparel by coastal brands such as Tribe Kelley Surf Post, Modus Captured, 30A or even a cool hat from Blue Bay Lifestyle or a local restaurant, monogrammed gifts from Frill Seekers Gifts or cool sunglasses from Run With It. Somehow, we just tend to remember the locally sourced unique gifts better—and so will those we give them to.
For beach to coastal, outdoor to edible, dazzling to functional themed gifts right now, some favorites are Lily Pads Interior Market, The Shop at Baldwin Turf, Patios Plus, Beyond Measure and even a photo session with Savvy Leigh Photo. There’s something on that list for a wide array of needs and desires, all while contributing to the prosperity and success of the beach localities we call home.
Even if someone’s gift list includes a national brand, you can still keep the holiday spirit local. With shopping centers like Destin Commons, Grand Boulevard, Silver Sands Premium Outlets and PCB’s Pier Park, you quite literally have access to over 500 major brand national and international retailers within our local Northwest Florida coastal communities. Keep in mind that buying items directly from these local shopping centers and outdoor malls isn’t like buying from Amazon, eBay, Poshmark, or the endless slew of online retailers that do nothing to support your friends and neighbors in business, or working for, the businesses that make up our local coastal community.
The truth is that between the local brands and all of the retailers in our area, there is practically nothing that anyone can ask for that you can’t find here locally.
Even the major purchase, big ticket items are often available right here in our area, where they can also help local people when you purchase them. Looking for a new Rolex Submariner or Porsche 911 Targa for your husband? Need a Diamond ring or Mercedes G-Class SUV for your wife? How about a new swimming pool for the entire family? Thinking about a kitchen remodel or a new media room? Been wanting a new golf cart, low speed vehicle, board or electric bike? From McCaskill & Company to Porsche of Destin to Mercedes of Fort Walton to Step One Automotive to the local boutique near the beach, there are endless possibilities. And don’t forget YOLO Board & Bike, ECCO Motors or Electric Cart Company. Or an experience-oriented gift like a membership to Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, or tickets to a Mattie Kelly Arts Center performance and Sinfonia Gulf Coast performances, 30A Songwriters Festival or Gulf Coast Jam. I bet your friends and family would love tickets to studio6twenty5’s The Nutcracker Dec. 20-22 at the FWB Civic Auditorium! And who doesn’t love to be pampered at the spa or the Salon? Gift cards are always in fashion!
No matter how small or elaborate your gifting need is, it is likely available right here within our area. We just have to remember to source it locally and to be aware of the beneficial economic and social impact we are making by doing so. From employment opportunities to neighborhood vitality projects to better roadways, parks and beaches, buying local this holiday season makes a difference, and it really does make sense.
Will Estell is a writer, media entrepreneur and real estate professional with over 700 published articles. He is currently the chief creative officer of Estell Hussey Media, and the co-founder of the nationally sold Navarre Beach Magazine.
