Holiday Shopping ~ The Local 01730 Edition

December 3, 2021

The Holiday Season is here, and it’s time again to find that perfect gift.  There are many options from online stores to big box stores where you might be able to save a couple of dollars. 

There is another option to consider; finding the gift from a local business is more than just saving a few bucks.  

Shopping locally helps our community in many ways.  

This past Saturday was Shop Small Saturday, an initiative started by American Express.  

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There is a new appreciation for what local businesses do for our local economy and community.  The numbers back it up.  A recent article from the Small Business Administration breaks down the numbers: 

        • Small businesses accounted for 65% of all new jobs over the past 17 years.
        • Small businesses employ 77 million Americans.
        • 89% of consumers agree that independent businesses contribute positively to local economies.
        • Residential neighborhoods served by successful independent business districts gained, on average, 50% more in home values than their citywide markets.
        • Independent retailers and restaurants return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales back to their communities than national chains. 
        • If just half the U.S. employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate $42.6 billion in revenue.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration; Intuit Small Business Innovation Study; U.S. Dept. of Labor

There are many choices to shop for gifts here in Bedford.  Last year the town launched the Buy Bedford website that has some great ideas, some of which you may not be aware of.   https://www.buybedford.org/

Do you know there are 15 personal services businesses in town, from a haircut, to a manicure, to a massage? You can give the gift of personal care through gift cards to any one of these many options.

There is also a local florist (Bedford Florist), an art and pottery gallery (Clayful Expressions),  plus two jewelry stores here in town (KB Jewelers and Bedford Jewelers.) All are locally owned and operated by Bedford merchants.  

For the fitness-oriented people on your list, there are many options, from Karate to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, to a Barre Dance Studio, to CrossFit and Health Club, and many more options to get in shape.  For the golf enthusiast there is a custom club fitting store in town offering gift certificates.

If you need to get outside, there is a bike store (Bikeway Source) that also has cross-country ski equipment.

For Dining out, choices abound.  From Greek to Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, to Asian Fusion, to Pizza, to Diners, Pubs, Taverns, Deli’s, Catering, Prepared Meals to go and more. There are also options for cakes,  cookies, and cupcakes.  

For the artfully inclined Bedford offers drawing classes (ArtSpark), Stone Carving (Scott’s Stone Carving), and a custom frame store that also sells framed art (Great Road Gallery).

For the gardener on your list, there is a local nursery (New England Nursery), and also a farm (Chip-’n Farm) that offers classes for kids. 

For what to wear, we have a consignment store (Wearovers) on the Great Road as well as a local tailor (Papazian Tailoring) to make everything fit.

If you have a furry friend on your list we have two stores (Fetch-it and Loyal Companion) have your pets covered for the holidays.

For home improvements, there’s a local Ace Hardware (Moison Ace Hardware), a local appliance store (Doyan’s), and a bath showroom (FW Webb).

For auto enthusiasts, there is a local car wash (Bedford Car Wash) and an auto parts dealer (Bedford Auto Parts).

If there is a local option that I missed, please share it in the comments below.

Happy Holidays!

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