If you’re one of the many San Benito County residents who
observes the high holy day of consumerism
– the day after Thanksgiving – by shopping for the holidays, we
have a suggestion: Buy local.
If you’re one of the many San Benito County residents who observes the high holy day of consumerism – the day after Thanksgiving – by shopping for the holidays, we have a suggestion: Buy local.
Especially in these tight economic times, it’s in our best interest to keep as many of our holiday shopping dollars in San Benito as possible. The benefits are many, including supporting local businesses run by your neighbors, keeping jobs in the county and sending sales tax dollars to local government’s coffers. Remember, those sales tax dollars help pay for police and fire protection, recreation programs and park maintenance, to name just a few.
There are scores of merchants in San Benito offering everything from the hottest toy to the latest must-read book, from fine wines – taste a few while you’re visiting the winery – to unique, antique and one-of-a-kind items that it should be easy to complete all your holiday shopping in our corner of the Bay Area. You’ll also be able to find cards, ribbons, bows and gift wrap to make your gifts look their holiday best.
We know there are large, trendy malls and outlet stores – either new or recently remodeled – beckoning holiday shoppers to come to Gilroy, San Jose and other points north, but think of the traffic you’ll endure and gas you’ll burn to get there, not to mention the crowded parking lots and throngs of shoppers you’ll have to navigate when you arrive.
Then think about San Benito’s local business owners, the people they employ and the city services upon which you and your neighbors rely. Why not make your holiday shopping dollars do double duty this year? Spend as much of your holiday shopping budget in San Benito as you can this year.
The gifts you buy in San Benito will warm the hearts of your loved ones, and help your neighbors and community at the same time.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or fax to 637-4104 or e-mail to
ed****@fr***********.com
