(Editor’s Note: Some of the information used for this article was comprised from several sources on the internet).
Money you spend locally goes directly to your community. Every dollar you spend is invested into the business and those who run it. In other words, you’re helping locals keep their jobs, create more jobs, and invest in other local community initiatives. To take your mindful money practices to the next level, consider supporting local shops the next time you need beauty products, groceries, or a new wardrobe.
When small businesses work together with other small businesses, there can be opportunities to cut down on packaging, overall waste, and travel emissions. For example, local grocery stores may carry produce from local farms, which cuts down on transportation costs, travel emissions, and packaging used to transport each product. As a result, your money invested locally could help the earth and your wallet.
Big box stores have more employees, customers, and issues to deal with every day — while local shop owners may not. Small business owners usually have fewer customers, making those that shop with them more valuable. Everyone that comes into the store becomes their top priority. If you have questions or concerns about products or services, you’ll likely be able to get in touch with the owner faster than you would a big box customer service representative.
You can find a variety of items at local stores you may not find anywhere else. When it comes to grocery shopping, you’ll likely be able to find locally sourced produce at smaller stores. You get to enjoy eating fresher produce while supporting multiple small businesses. For instance, your weekly groceries may be fresher from your local farmers market than a department store.
In most cases, small store owners spend the most time face-to-face with their customers. You’re more likely to interact with the owner than the CEO of an established company. This means you’ll have a better chance of connecting with your community and you’ll know exactly who you’re supporting.
Becker True Value - 13350 1st St, Becker - 763- 261-4464
Becker True Value has a 10% off deal for Shrink Window Insulation kit. They also have car air fresheners from $1.29 to $4.99. How about some booster cables for that special someone’s car? Costs range from $12.99 to $69.49.
Bird food is 10% off (unless already on sale) and BTV also has several decorative door mats to make your home more inviting!
Farm Friends Barn – Across the street from Sherburne County History Center, Becker – 763-248-2615
Farm Friends Barn has great gift ideas including Christmas pots and wreaths for sale until sold out! Prices range from $35 to $100! Get your kids ready and bring them to the Barn to see Santa on Sat. & Sun., Dec. 18-19 from 4-7pm. Check their website at www.farmfriendsbarn.org for more details!
Coborn’s Clearwater - 705 County Rd 75 NW, Clearwater – 320-558-2251 • Coborn’s Big Lake - 711 Rose Dr, Big Lake - 763-263-3555
Both local Coborn’s stores have great gift ideas and items ready to help you celebrate the Holidays! Pick up a deli tray or a fruit basket for your gathering. Or, how about a poinsettia? Check out their floral department for tons of great ideas for gift-giving or decorating. And don’t forget, gift certificates make great stocking stuffers!
Charlie’s Sports Bar & Grill – 12287 Hancock St, Becker – 763-262-4000
Charlie’s has some great gift ideas including baseball caps, beanies, pom pom hats, sweatshirts and jackets for your friends and loved ones! Or, buy $50 in gift certificates and get $10 free!
Scheideman Chiropractic – 14030 Bank St #1, Becker – 763-262-2639
Wow! Scheideman Chiro has 1/2 hour massages for just $30! Regularly $40! Come on in and check it out!
Lake Liquors – 615 Rose Dr, Big Lake – 763-263-3673
Check out Lake Liquors’ gift sets that would knock the socks off any gift receiver! They also have plenty of gift certificates to stuff those stockings around the fireplace!
Big Lake Hardware Hank – 621 Rose Dr, Big Lake – 763-263-2019
Stop in at your favorite hardware store and pick up some DeWalt tools starting at $5.49 and up. Or, check out the Milwaukee tools for $4.49 and up! BLHH has tons of bait and tackle for those fishing days for just .79¢ and up. Solar gifts would make great presents along with rain gauges, flowers, balloons and more! Or, stay warm with some winter gear starting at $3.99 and up!
Oak Park Creamery – 16623 Ironwood Rd NE, Oak Park – 320-968-7864
OPC has winter gloves from $1.50 to $13.00!. Or, how about Bongard’s Cheese & Schwan’s Ice Cream or Hope Butter in prices ranging from $.75 to $15.00! They also have wild life blocks and bird seed as well as gift certificates in any amount imaginable!
Andra K Salon – 615 Smith St, Clearwater – 320-558-6620
Andra K has tons of great gift ideas including gift certificates in any amount needed or they can be customized for any service such as massage, pedicures or spas. They also offer Bonblissy Spa Treatments from $9 to $20 and they have a plethora of Victory Brand Men’s Grooming products from $21 to $48!
Andra K also has scarves, necklaces, bracelets and earrings from $12 to $22 as well as travel-sized hair products from $10 to $29!
Clearwater Travel Plaza – 950 MN-24, Clearwater – 320-558-2261
The Clearwater Travel Plaza/Nelson Bros. Restaurant, Pub & Bakery/Minnesota Reflections Gift Shop has Carhart clothing and accessories from $12 on up as well as Minnesota sweatshirts for $25 and up. They also have great selections of Lazy Ones sleepwear from $20 on up and Christmas decor and candles from $5 on up.
Don’t forget to pick up some gift cards from Nelson Bros. or Minnesota Reflections Gift Shop!
McDonald’s Meats - 8601 Main Ave, Clear Lake - 320- 743-2311
McDonald’s Meats has a great selection of meat gift boxes from $10 to $80. They also have Smokehouse Specialties for $17.99, Sticks Samplers for $37.99 and Snacker’s Delights for $58.99!
Oodles of Doodles Pet Spa - 505 North Walnut St, Clearwater - 320-558-1134
Oodles can get your furry family member a nail trim for just $12, or a good teeth brushing for $8, or a de-shedding treatment for $15, or any of their many other grooming services (prices vary). They also have gift certificates in any amount if you can’t decide on the spot!
Purple Prairie - 800 Nelson Dr #102, Clearwater - 320-558-9010
Purple Prairie has a Sweet Feet gift bag for just $30. They also offer a rose-colored glasses gift bag for just $33. How about an Aromatherapy Duo for just $13.50? They also have Amethyst Crystal point for $17 and 100% natural artisan soap for just $4.44!
Clearwater Corners - 720 County Rd 75 NW, Clearwater - 320-558-2212
Clearwater Corners has Sunday Funday sweatshirts from $25. They also offer on sale/off sale liquor and for the stocking stuffer gift — grab a gift certificate in any amount imaginable and put a big smile on someone’s face!
T&R Meats - 105 Pine St, Clearwater - 320- 558-6390
T& R Meats has great stocking stuffers for that hard-to-shop man. How about some jerky in three yummy flavors or some beef stix in four delicious flavors? For the adult children who are hard to buy for, grab a meat bundle, hamburger or breakfast sausage, bacon or brats! For the parents who “don’t need gifts”, who would turn down a fresh steak, some bacon or sausage?
For that Christmas dinner, what would be better than a delicious ham or prime rib supper? On your way out, pick up some gift certificates!
Parts City Auto Parts - 845 MN-24, Clearwater - 320-558-9901
Parts City has Nebo Omni 2K work lights for $32.99! Another idea is a WOLO Watchman mini LED light bar for just $49.99!
Parts City also has a store full of winter fishing gear as well as a huge assortment of toys including Hot wheels, card games, board games and sleds. They also have a great deal on an aluminum adjustable tow hitch with a 6” or 8” drop in prices ranging from $171.99 to $208.99.
Don’t forget to say “hi” and wish the merchants a Merry Christmas!