Talk of the Town - December 2016

Seven Compelling Reasons to Shop Local

Patronizing local merchants instead of online or big-box merchandisers has powerful year-round impacts for our community.
- story by Lisa Monti, Ellis Anderson, photographs by Ellis Anderson 

More Shoofly Stories!

Ann Tidwell and Vicki Niolet of Bay Emporium

What if you could shop hassle-free, find the perfect Christmas presents, support our hometown merchants, and boost the local economy?
 
That’s no holiday fantasy:  that’s called shopping locally.
 
Starting Nov. 26 with Small Business Saturday and continuing throughout the month of December, you can join the national Shop Small movement, a celebration of small businesses that helps our merchants and communities thrive.

“We had an excellent weekend but we need that support to continue through the holidays,” said Janice Guido owner of Bay Life Gifts and president of the Old Town Merchants Association. 

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Janice Guido, owner of Bay Life Gifts and president of the Old Town Merchants Association

“Before you get on the internet or leave the county to go shopping, remember that there are great places to shop in your own hometown,” said Tish Williams, Hancock County Chamber executive director. “It’s all about helping your neighbors prosper so our community can prosper.”
 
So before you head out to go Christmas shopping, check out our list for reasons why makes sense staying close to home. 
 
1. Memorable and Meaningful Choices.  We live in a place where local shops are known for one-of-a-kind artwork plus other sought-after items not found on big-box store shelves or national websites. Beautiful jewelry and unique clothing, fine painting and pottery, gifts for the home, children’s toys and clothes, antiques and furniture all are available locally.
 
2.  Personal Service.   The owners and sales staff are your neighbors and will work hard to keep you happy with extraordinary personal service. 

3.  Less Hassles, More Fun.  Forget fighting traffic, crowds and parking problems.  Strolling through Old Town shops, taking a walk out by the harbor, running into friends and neighbors and enjoying a leisurely lunch will keep your holiday spirits bright.  

Glenda Schornick and Shay Coss at Magnolia Antiques

4.  Local Shops and Restaurants Fuel Tourism.  Face it.  If the commercial district of the town only contained a few law offices and government buildings, Bay St. Louis wouldn't consistently be featured as one of the top small-town visitor destinations in the South.  This in turn garners the community hundreds of thousands of dollars in free positive press each year.  

​And these shop owners act as daily good-will ambassadors to the Bay.  They help change one-time visitors into repeat visitors and repeat visitors into new residents.  Priceless.  

5.  Local Merchants Help Improve Quality of Life in the Bay.   Imagine the Bay without the monthly Second Saturday Artwalk and other fun annual events organized by local merchants, like Souper Mudfest, Frida Fest and Dolly Should.  Nuff said.  

6.  Small Local Businesses Give Back.  Directly. Continually. Merchants and local restaurateurs support local charity programs throughout the year, directly improving quality of life in the community.  Big mail order chains may save you a few dollars, but the dollars stay where the dollars go - into deep corporate pockets.  
 
7.  Shopping Locally is Good for Everyone’s Bottom Line. According to one study, for every dollar spent, more than 60 cents stays in the community, mainly through taxes and paychecks.

​Besides providing jobs, local sales taxes help to fund local services, including fire and police protection. “The boost to the local economy creates jobs and promotes economic development by attracting new businesses,” said Williams.

"Supporting our small businesses is a way to celebrate our community, our neighborhoods, and the spirit that make this such a special place to live."

"I cannot imagine communities in our county being healthy and vibrant without small businesses," Williams continued.  "They give all of us a sense of who we are."

Just a few of our Old Town Merchants

Jenise McCardell and Mark Currier of Clay Creations and Gallery 220

Al and Vivian Jensen of Serious Bread Bakery

Jane Alford of Bay-tique Boutique and Carroll House Bed & Breakfast

Terry Downs of Full Moon Clockworks

Suzi Walters of Identity Vintage

Rebecca Diaz of Gourmet Galley

Melissa Hamilton of bijoubel

Amy Covington of Flair

Ann Madden and Sandy Maggio of Smith & Lens Gallery

Di Fillhart of the Starfish Cafe

Yuki Northington of Social Chair