Paid Post: The Holiday shopping season is upon us! Each year, we hear and read more and more about the importance of shopping at local and independent businesses. And it’s true—it’s a BIG DEAL!
Before we preach, we want to first thank you for shopping local all year long in downtown Evanston. Not only are you supporting local businesses and contributing to our local economy, but every time you buy from a local merchant, they do a happy dance!
There are a few other BIG reasons to shop in Downtown Evanston. You may have heard these before, but it’s always good to be reminded about supporting local businesses.
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BUILD COMMUNITY
Think of Downtown Evanston as one of Evanston’s awesome neighborhoods. Casual encounters happen in neighborhood stores and business owners and staff are great community resources. -
STRENGTHEN LOCAL ECONOMY
Every dollar you spend at an independent business returns twice as much money to the local economy than every dollar spent at a chain or from buying online. What does that mean? Local sales taxes are used to support services in our city. -
KEEP EVANSTON COOL—AS IN HIP
Independent businesses give our community a distinct personality and their unique characteristics attract visitors to our downtown. -
TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT
Shopping at a store gives you the opportunity to try on apparel and shoes or test out a fragrance or product before you buy it. Make sure you get it right the first time! -
CREATE A HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT
Independent businesses are “people-sized” and take up less land, carry more locally made products and are located closer to residents thus creating less traffic and air pollution. -
BETTER CHOICES
Local shops have the freedom to customize their inventory based on your (the customer) preferences. Shop owners are happy to listen and respond to your individual needs. Just ask!
And remember, the shops in downtown Evanston have offerings for every type of person—techie, reader, spa-goer, jewelry lover, knitter, fashionista, health nut, gamer, foodie and of course, kids who need more toys in their lives!
Get to know the downtown Evanston businesses this holiday season and you’ll quickly understand the personal and community benefits.
You’ll meet new people, you’ll have a story behind your holiday gifts, and you’ll be supporting the local merchants that help make Evanston the envy of surrounding communities.
Join us on Saturday, Nov. 24, for Small Business Saturday — and on every day ending in a “Y” — to explore your downtown shops. You’ll feel good and you’ll be doing good for your community. Plus, if you spend $100 or more on Saturday, November 24 at our local shops, Downtown Evanston has a special gift for you! Details here. See you soon!
XOXO,
Downtown Evanston