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Five reasons to shop local this Christmas

1. To keep money on the Islands
By buying your Christmas gifts locally this year, you are helping to strengthen the economy of the Islands. Economic studies show that for every $100 spent at locally owned businesses, $45 goes back into the community. If you are buying Christmas gifts off-island, no money is re-circulating in the community.

2. To help support non-profit organizations and other community groups
Community owned businesses tend to support local community organizations more often. Because of our small, closely knit communities our local businesses are sensitive to the need for charitable contributions. By buying locally this Christmas you will be giving back to your community in many ways.

3. To create more local employment
If you are shopping locally, the money you spend on the Islands creates additional value; it pays wages, can be utilized for investment and creates more employment by building the capacity of existing business. Ultimately, when people choose to shop locally they create a demand for new goods and services.

4. To help sustain small business
Many Islanders are self employed, or are employees of small businesses. By buying your gifts at local businesses this Christmas, you are supporting the livelihoods of many Islanders. You will be contributing to the long-term stability of the Islands by supporting businesses, and opening doors for future economic development.

5. To support the uniqueness of the Islands
People who live here take pride in the uniqueness of the Islands. Our local small businesses have a similarly distinctive flavor, with many quality products to offer. From the unique wood-products produced by local craftspeople to the beautiful artwork and delicious food products being sold in the wide array of gift shops, there are numerous options for this season's Christmas shopper when searching for that perfect gift. By buying locally this Christmas, you are helping to preserve that wonderful, yet intangible quality that makes this place one of a kind.