Getting all your shopping done before Christmas can feel impossible with all the people on your list! However, you can gather everything you need locally whether it’s from a designer boutique or just a gift card to a local restaurant. Since shopping locally is different from shopping at big department stores, you need to be prepared for some surprises this year.
Shopping locally can help you get unique gifts and save a little money this year. “If the state you’re shopping in has a 9.25% rate, you would pay more for the same priced item than if you were shopping in an 8% sales tax rate state,” says Greg Lemons, CPA and owner of Padgett Business Services in Franklin, Tennessee. This means sticking locally can prevent price fluctuations and help you keep your expenses in check. Plus, local taxes go back to the community!
For those not experienced with shopping locally this year, here are five tips to keep you on track this holiday season!
- Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
It’s easy to go to all the same places that you’ve gone to in the past, but to find truly exceptional and unique gifts you’ll need to get out of your comfort zone. Go to a place you’ve never been before to see what they have. With 23% of people planning to shop locally this holiday, you won’t be alone in venturing to new shops. Give local shops a chance and don’t stick to old favorites—visit those after you’ve tried new venues!
- Ask Your Recipients Where They Shop
A great tip for finding those amazing gifts is to ask your gift recipients where they shop to find things that fit their taste. Although some people will tell you large stores, others may tell you about places they love but aren’t always able to go to get their favorite things. Ask around and explore the answers you get from your family and friends!
- Give an Experience with a Gift Card
When in doubt, pick up a gift card to a local place. It could be a movie theater, a shop you know they like, a restaurant, or even a spa. You can give the gift of local experience with a gift card to those who feel impossible to shop for. Your recipients will appreciate a gift card to their favorite restaurant or their favorite clothing shop in Franklin like Holly Ray Boutique!
- Sign Up for Emails or Alerts
Signing up for special deals via an email or phone alerts can get you some great discounts when it comes to shopping locally. Explore places in the area and sign up for promotions or emails. You’ll know the best places to shop this holiday and about the great deals that are going on. Don’t miss out on the local experience—sign up for alerts!
- Know the Return or Exchange Policy
One important tip to follow when shopping around locally is to inquire about the store’s return or exchange policy. It may be very similar to a larger retail store, but it could also be substantially different. The point is to know what it is just in case there’s something wrong with the item or your recipient would like to exchange for a different color or style. Local staff tends to be more knowledgeable and welcoming, so ask away!
Are you ready to experience a totally local experience for shopping this holiday? Follow these five tips so you don’t get lost in the hype of huge retail stores and instead enjoy the charm of your downtown Franklin shops. Staying on top of deals and local flavor is easy—support your local businesses!
