Five reasons to shop small this holiday season and where you can do it

Chloe Collins, Gaston Gazette
·3 min read
Lauren Dawsey-Smith stands in the greenhouse of her shop, Wild and Whimsey, Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2023, on Main Avenue in Gastonia.
Lauren Dawsey-Smith stands in the greenhouse of her shop, Wild and Whimsey, Friday morning, Sept. 22, 2023, on Main Avenue in Gastonia.

Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or a significant other this year, Gaston County’s small business owners are ready to meet your needs.

According to Felicia Williams, the director of Gaston College’s Small Business Center, there are a number of reasons you should consider local businesses in your holiday shopping this month.

Here are five reasons why shoppers should go local this season and a list of Gaston County businesses to peruse.

Why shop locally?

“Small businesses reinvest approximately 23 cents from every dollar into other local businesses,” Williams said.

Nearly 70% of every dollar spent at a local business stays local, she added.

Local sales contribute to local sales tax.

“When you spend locally, the sales tax revenue from your purchase is reinvested right here in your community,” Williams said. “Your local dollar helps support public schools, parks, roads, sidewalk, and other community improvements.

“Up to 65% of small businesses’ annual revenue was generated during the holidays last year,” Williams said.

Local businesses donate money to local causes at more than twice the rate of chain retailers, according to Williams.

Shopping locally is better for the environment because it preserves packaging and fuel that would have been used otherwise to ship your order, she said.

Where to shop small in Gaston County

Gaston County residents show up for small business owners year-round, which is why many municipalities have unique storefronts in their downtown areas.

Here are a couple of small businesses to check out this holiday season:

Lowell and Ranlo

The Mystery Box, located at 1820 Spencer Mountain Road in Ranlo, offers unique items donated by the community for thrifty shoppers.

Sew Much Fun, located at 831 S. Church St. in Lowell, is a fabric craft store that offers both supplies for fabric crafting and classes for those who might be looking to take up sewing or embroidery.

Gastonia

Spunky D's Fresh Produce, located at 2421 S. York Road in Gastonia, will be selling fruit baskets this holiday season.

Wild and Whimsy, located at 231 E. Main Ave. in Gastonia, has plants, tea blends and handmade gifts available this holiday season.

Belmont and Mount Holly

At Arts on the Greenway, located at 500 E. Central Ave. in Mount Holly, you can make or purchase art.

Mirrorball Books, located at 24 N. Main St. in Belmont, sells several genres of pre-loved books.

Bessemer City

The Mad Crafter, located at 134 W. Virginia Ave. in Bessemer City, offers crafting classes, bubble tea and more.

Diamond's Body Care, located at 115 W. Pennsylvania Ave. in Bessemer City, offers plant-based sugar scrubs, body oils and more.

The tea table where visitors participating in group crafting events will make creations.
The tea table where visitors participating in group crafting events will make creations.

Stanley

Hello Cricket is a home goods, clothing and accessories store located at 114 S. Main St. in Stanley.

Stanley Creek Treasures, located at 710 S. Main St., sells antiques, treasures and everyday items.

Cherryville

Retro Toys and Collectibles, located at 400 E. Main St. A in Cherryville, is ready to meet your needs in the toy department.

Deja Vu Consignment, located at 118 E. Main Street in Cherryville, has clothing for all ages and sizes, jewelry, and collectibles.

McAdenville and Cramerton

Mona's Boutique and Gifts, at 121 Main St. in McAdenville, offers clothing and gift items.

Confluence, located at 117 Center St. in Cramerton, sells local art and outdoor adventures.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Five reasons to shop small this holiday season and where to do it