As the holiday season is upon us, and we start getting into the holiday spirit by decorating our homes, cozying up by the fire, and spending time with our family, it’s also the season of giving. As we have already started our lists of gifts for family and friends, in this new age of shopping and social distancing, it is easy to order out of convenience from big corporations. While many of these businesses have been thriving during the pandemic, looking to support your local Ulster County small businesses will be even more important this year. These businesses have been hit the hardest financially during the pandemic, and need the support of their community to help them get back on their feet. One of the largest attractions of living in Ulster County is the wonderful culture of unique shops and restaurants the different towns have to offer, so ensuring they are able to stay in business is through local support. Here’s why you should look local when doing your holiday shopping this year: 

Keep your dollars local: Supporting local Ulster County businesses means keeping your dollars local, and your money going directly back into the local economy. By keeping it local, your purchase helps not only the store owner, but also supports local employees who work there. Their earnings are going towards rent, local businesses and other services, versus a large corporation where your dollars leave the local economy. This trickle down effect allows your local Ulster County town thrive, and helps them to recover from a difficult year. Shopping local is a crucial part of keeping the local economy afloat and thriving. It not only benefits local businesses, but yourself, your family and friends who call Ulster County home. 

Unique and personal: Small businesses often have unique or niche products that you would not normally find in large corporate stores. They often have items that are from local artists, purveyors or crafters. It’s a more personal experience, and a one of a kind type of product. You are also giving something that is unique to Ulster County, versus mass produced. 

Local store owners often pride themselves on offering a more personal sales experience. Not sure what to buy? Customer service is a priority, and they can help you pick out the perfect gifts and products for your family and friends. If you’re not comfortable buying in store, pick up the phone and call and speak to the shop. They can select, wrap and have presents ready for curbside pick up. It’s a more personal shopping experience, one which values customer satisfaction, ensuring you are happy with your purchases and that you have meaningful gifts. 

It’s not always about dishing out your wallet: Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful forms of marketing and recommendations with businesses and services. If there is a particular shop, eatery or local business you love, spreading the word to family and friends about how wonderful they are is equally as important to supporting them. Hearing about a great meal, product, experience through a trusted source is the best type of business review, and will likely lead to them generating more business in the future. Even if you cannot spend as much as you would like, encouraging others to will greatly benefit your local businesses, community and economy. 

Ulster County has some of the best local culture in the Mid Hudson Valley, which is in large part to the local craft, art and restaurant businesses in the area. Supporting these local businesses during the holiday season shows not only your support to your community, but also in keeping Ulster County’s unique culture and economy thriving. Make sure you take a stroll through your local town this season and check out what your local community has to offer.