Shop Local. Shop Community.

Most of us will be sitting down to a good meal on Thursday, either here or elsewhere with friends or family.  Most of us I say, as a few of us who work retail will have to go to work at some point on Thanksgiving to get the even-before-Black-Friday specials.  WalMart, Target, Macy’s, and JC Penney will be open special hours on this holiday of thanks.  This will continue on into and through Friday as the holiday hysteria and the lists of specials and must-buys overcomes us.

As a reasonably comfortable individual in a reasonably affluent community, I do not want to make the hypocritical mistake of suggesting that our buying is out of control (though it may be) and perhaps not in the spirit of the season (also possible).  Instead, I have a different plea, and it is one that I have uttered before: Please spend some time and a little money with our local merchants.

I have more than a few reasons for making the suggestion, and only one or two are altruistic.  Let me start with those to get them out of the way:

• Small merchants peg their life and livelihood and that of their families on the success of their business.
• Small merchants do not have the margins and the ability to absorb losses in the same way that chains or online shops do.

Now, let me get to the arguments that I believe have more community value:

• The revenues taken in by local merchants more often continue to circulate in the local  economy, further enhancing opportunities and the community’s financial well-being.
• Local merchants often are leaders in altruistic and volunteer causes. Their success enables them to fulfill this important role.
• Local stores, banks, restaurants and boutiques give our villages the character that make them gathering place for our city and bring in others from outside.
• Newton’s own collection of local stores is incredibly eclectic, special, and rewards the conscientious explorer with finds unavailable elsewhere.

There are of course many other reasons, including those that support the City’s financial well-being, but I think we can safely take that one as given for the moment.  Instead, please take some time to enjoy yourself in one (or more) of the distinct community centers that makes Newton, Newton.

Chris Steele is a husband and a father of 2 children in the Newton Public School system.  He is also an economic and community development consultant as well as an activist and volunteer.  You can contact him at steelch@yahoo.com

While you’re shopping locally, please also pick up something for a family who cannot afford a proper celebration this year.  The Village Bank is collecting gifts for Newton families, and you can learn more here. 

Finally, you can also support local artisans by spending time at this year’s Celebrate Newton Holiday Craft Fair on December 8 at Newton South HS.  You can learn more at http://celebratenewton.com/