Shopping local all year is best for local economies, but it’s especially crucial during the holiday season. Experts estimate this time of year is when a retail business can make as much as 20-to-40% of its annual sales, according to the National Retail Federation.
Holiday shopping in small communities isn’t always as simple as it sounds.
As children and grandchildren grow up, items on their Santa lists get more complex. Apple iPods, iPhones and iPads are unlikely to be found locally unless you’re lucky enough to find one in the region.
Thought a lot of the local shops don’t have the “big ticket” items, they do have unique, stylish gift items at amazingly affordable prices.
Shopping local also means you can spend time browsing and enaging the local merchants in relaxed settings, rather than the hustle and bustle of the big mega-marts.
Stop in one of the local stores, feel the joy and experience shopping for Christmas the way it is supposed to be.
- Becker True Value - 13350 1st St., Becker - 763-261-4464.
Becker True Value has numerous gift ideas for presents and stocking stuffers including beautiful poinsettias from $11.99 to $21.99, a 20-lb. bag of wild bird food for just $8.99, fleece pet blankets for $5.99 and snow sleds/discs for $7.49 and up.
- Cafe Pawz - 12940 Prosperity Ave., Becker, - 763-261-7299.
Cafe Pawz is a great place to meet family or friends before during or after your holiday shopping.
Cafe Pawz features delicious sandwiches, soups and entrees all in a warm, cabin-like setting. Pick up some valuable gift cards for stocking stuffers while you’re at it!
Hours are Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun., 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Purse Shop - 12196 2nd St. Becker - 763-261-5379.
Get your holiday celebrating off on the right foot by shopping at the Purse Shop for one-of-a-kind items that are sure to impress the recipient.
The Purse Shop has winter headwraps for just $10, scarves for $15, cosmetic bags for $14 to $18, wallets for $20 to $22 and, of course, purses for $24 to $50.
- Becker Community Center - 11500 140th Ave. SE Becker - 763-261-5900.
After the holiday season, it’s time to get back in shape and drop some of those excess pounds. Come to the BCC for great gift ideas for that exercise aficionado.
Memberships are available for $60 to $425, punch cards for daily passes, fitness classes and coffee range from $13.50 to $63.00. Gift certificates are always popular stocking stuffers and the BCC has many in price ranges from $5 to $25. Preschool camps are offered for $5 to $8 and Teddy Bear Junction cards can be purchased for $25 to $50 at the counter.
- Nix Bar & Grill - 12287 Hancock St., Becker, - 763-262-3288.
Stop in to Nix Bar & Grill following a long day of shopping for terrific food and great service. Pick up bundles of gift certificates to stuff in stockings or put in Christmas cards.
Hours are Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sun., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Becker Food Pride - 13400 1st St., Becker, - 763-262-2500.
Deck out your holiday table this year with Becker Food Pride trays, baskets and packages sure to please any and all your relatives!
Fruit baskets start at just $9.99, cheesecakes are always a tasty treat at just $13.99 to $17.89. Don’t forget a 9” meat or cheese tray for just $9.99 or choose from a large variety of meat packages including steak, pork chops or pork ribs for just $20. Call ahead!
Stop in. Give a smile and wish your local retailers a Merry Christmas. Better yet, buy something with a smile and do your part in keeping your local economy thriving!
See more good local deals on gifts in next week’s edition of the Citizen!
