At least some days of the year, the goal of a WanderShopper should be to shop small and local. Most of my posts are about shopping opportunities around the world. And we all know the difference our spending dollars can make in the foreign communities we visit. But let’s face it, the majority of our time is being spent where we live. And it is important to take care of our nests too. Everyone wants to live in a vibrant, varied and rich community. And it is the small, local business that adds the character, that certain “je ne sais quoi,” to the neighborhood. So what’s the best store for holiday shopping ever? It’s your favorite, local small business.
In 2010, Small Business Saturday was formed to encourage shopping at small businesses during the holiday season. Black Friday focuses on the savings at big box stores for big ticket items. And Cyber Monday allows us to get whatever we want from anywhere in the world with the added convenience of doing it from home in our pajamas. And they both have their legitimate place and time in the holiday shopping marathon. But in our spending frenzy, we need to make sure that we are also supporting the local stores and restaurants that make our neighborhoods richer by their presence. If you can’t imagine your life without a business at some point over the next year, make sure you stop by this season and make a purchase. And Saturday is a great day to get out there and start doing it.
Every year, the weekend after Thanksgiving, I head to Hickory Corners at the Lansing City Market. Owners Pam and John Decker opened Hickory Corners at the original location of the Market about 15 years ago. I swear I have been buying my Christmas Wreaths from them for almost as long. I love the selection they have in both size and greens. Plus they will customize wreaths for you by adding ribbons and pine cones. They are also able to create custom sized wreaths for you up to 6 feet. In addition to wreaths, they also sell Christmas trees, garlands, swags and kissing balls.
My shopping at Hickory Corners isn’t just limited to holiday decorations. In the spring and summer I like to visit their outdoor space for their herb and plant selection. They always have beautiful plants and container plantings that are inspiring. Year round, Hickory Corners has a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruit inside the market. They also have a nice selection of fresh herbs as well as the best milk and butter in the area. I really like their gift selections, too. On the corner hutches in the store, they feature pottery from a local artist, handmade beeswax candles from a local apiary and currently, nostalgic Christmas items.
Each year, I try to spend more dollars with my favorite local businesses than I do with large chains that could be in any town…and are. I want a personalized experience where people who work there know me, support other local businesses and artists and are committed to making our community a better place to exist. And because I value that, I need to make sure to support it with my shopping dollars. That’s what Small Business Saturday is all about. So, go on out there today and make me proud, WanderShoppers. It’s time to get out there and impact our neighborhoods by shopping at the best holiday store ever.
Which local business will you be supporting this year and what do you love about them?
WanderShopper Details:
Hickory Corners 517-267-9868
Lansing City Market, Lansing, Michigan
Tuesday – Friday, 10 – 6; Saturday, 9-5
Shop Small Logo: from Ft. Lauderdale Collective