Featured Blog: Shop Local, Support Community, Avoid Combat

Once a term resigned for use by retailers, ”Black Friday” has officially gone mainstream.  Yet between the pepper sprayings, overnight campouts and ruckus unsurpassed, I’m questioning the sheer civility of some of these marketing tactics aimed at boosting the bottom line at all costs.  Before you assume I’m opposed to holiday shopping in general and otherwise just no fun, let me suggest some helpful alternatives at a time when we need them most.

Whether or not you’re an OWS supporter, you’re probably one of the 99 percent not overly interested in fattening Walmart’s already overstuffed purse.  Since the Walton’s are now the wealthiest family in the world,  why not keep your money where it’s not only needed, but where is will keep working for you?  Money spent in the local economy  stays in the local economy.  In fact, locally-owned businesses reinvest in the local economy at a 60 percent higher rate than chains and Internet retailers.  So while big box retail prices may be slightly lower, in the long run, investing in your hometown makes more sense.

What if we all did that this holiday season, effectively retaining an additional 25 percent more holiday revenue here in Santa Cruz?  Would some of our state parks be able to reopen?  How about our libraries?  And since small business for 75 percent of all new jobs, just think of the effect on our unemployment rates.  'Shop Local' isn’t just a slogan randomly posted in store windows, it’s a powerful strategy that can make a very real difference.  And with the abundance of creativity here in Santa Cruz, what better place to do it than here?

Not sure where to start?  Check out some of the many exciting artisan bazaars, craft fairs and local shopping events happening this weekend.  Discover a wonderful opportunity to support your community and successfully avoid physical combat this holiday season!

Here are some of my favorite upcoming local events offering a bevy of holiday gifts that give back:

Multi-artist Holiday Show featuring favorite designer, Ribbon Street December 3 & 4th 11-5:00 at the Freight Bldg., Santa Cruz: http://ribbonstreet.com/holidayshow.html

$25 or less handmade gift sale  On Saturday, enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere of downtown Santa Cruz while shopping for handmade gifts under $25 for family and friends. On Sunday, the event moves to Aptos. This year's creations include handmade jewelry, clothing, organic preserves and jams, soy candles, soaps, wallets, aromatherapy scents, sea class treasures, artists' prints and cards, artisan breads, garden sculptures, aprons, scarves and more.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in downtown Santa Cruz, and Sunday, Dec. 4, at The Art Factory in Aptos
WHERE: 1543 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz [former Velvet Underground] and The Art Factory, 9099 Soquel Drive, Aptos
DETAILS: 688-8862 or 425-0960

Holiday Craft Fair Benefit for Monarch Community School  More than 50 local artisans' hand-fashioned arts and crafts. Many crafts feature reused or recycled materials. Jewelers, woodworkers, fine art painters, seamstresses, bookmakers, photographers, graphic artists, knitters, felters, folders and screen printers, as well as gingerbread house making, ornament decorating, free gift wrap, kids craft activities and live performances.  11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3rd, Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St, Santa Cruz

Swanton Berry Farm, Slow Coast Holiday Fair  December 3 & 4th , 10-4:00, Swanton Berry Farm farm stand, Swanton Road and Highway 1, Davenport
Details: Call the farm at 469-8804 or artist Erika Perloff at 234-7542

Holiday Boutique Sale featuring Ola Chica and Ladysmith Jams Sunday, Dec. 11th from 11-4, holiday shopping in a fun and relaxed atmosphere and support local women in business. 220 Merced Avenue, a private home off West Cliff Drive on the Westside of Santa Cruz. http://www.ladysmithjams.com/

Happy Shopping!