According to Nerdwallet, small businesses generate $68 of local economic return for every $100 spent with them. This is why “shop small” campaigns, Small Business Saturday and buy local hashtags are incredibly popular during the holiday season.
If you’d like to keep your hard-earned money in Longmont, here are four areas you can purchase gifts to ensure you’re contributing to a strong local economy.
Local eateries
The National Restaurant Association reported 84% of consumers say going out to a restaurant with family and friends is a better use of their leisure time.
Do you have a favorite local restaurant? Why not give that experience to someone you love? With over 100 restaurants and breweries in Longmont, the city offers a dining experience for even the pickiest “foodie” in your life.
“Buying a gift card at a local spot instead of a chain restaurant injects money back into the place you live and may introduce someone to their new favorite local place. It’s a win-win.” said Jean Ditslear, co-owner of 300 Suns Brewery.
Local museums, cultural centers and outdoor spaces
There are several museums, organizations and spaces in Longmont that could not only use your patronage, but deserve to be seen by locals.
A few that come to mind: Longmont Museum and Cultural Center, Firehouse Art Center, Union Reservoir and the historic Callahan House and Hover Home.
While most of these organizations and cultural centers are free and open to the public, a donation in a loved ones name has an impact far exceeding a material object. According to USA Today, the average person wastes $71 on gifts no one wants. Why not put that $71 towards a local organization instead?
“Purchasing a membership from the Longmont Museum has many benefits, both for the purchaser and for the community. In addition to free admission to museum exhibits, reduced fees on programs and events, and early registration opportunities for our most popular programs, when you buy a membership you are joining nearly 1,000 other people in our community in saying that the Museum is an important cultural asset,” said Erik Mason, museum director of Longmont Museum.
Local activities
According to SquareSpace, “Sixty-one percent of consumers say they give gifts of experience because it creates a ‘special memory,’ and 55% say it’s because they want to give a “unique” gift.” If you’re included in the 61% of consumers and want to give more experience-based gifts, Longmont has many options to choose from.
If your loved one is an adrenaline junkie, purchase a skydiving experience at Mile-High Skydiving.
There is no shortage of breweries in town for the beer connoisseur in your life. A brewery tour followed by a date at the most award-winning brewery in Colorado, Left Hand Brewery, would be the perfect memory to make this holiday season.
If you’ve run out of ideas for your partner, a romantic hot air balloon flight at Fair Winds Balloon Flight will be talked about for decades to come.
Getting your hands dirty has never been easier! Take that creative person in your friend group to Crackpots or Wheelhouse, popular pottery studios in town.
Lastly, if you just want to let loose with the “kid-at-heart” friend, try out Get Air Trampoline Park or Quarters Bar and Arcade.
“Buying gifts from your favorite local businesses is not only a way to support your community, but it’s also the ultimate word-of-mouth way to introduce family and friends to these businesses. The more local businesses thrive, the more vibrant the community can be! Shopping locally makes a difference,” said Tamar Hendricks, owner of Crackpots.
Local retailers
While online sales continue to dominate the holiday retail landscape, brick-and-mortar retailers are making a comeback, according to Forbes. In a 2022 retail holiday survey by JLL, 63% of 1,080 U.S. consumer respondents reportedly plan on shopping in-store.
You don’t have to look far for an in-store shopping experience in Longmont. Visit the Creative District in Downtown Longmont to find great options. Adornables, Brick’s, Cheese Importers, Magic Fairy Candles, Makers General, and Barbed Wire Books are all ready for you to shop in person this year!
