Editor encourages purchases from local businesses during holidays

By Madi Alexander, Web Editor

Store workers already are filling shelves with glittery trees and oversized reindeer in preparation for the holiday season.

Whether students celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Saturnalia, or any combination thereof, they likely need to buy at least one gift this year.

I have two suggestions as people begin holiday shopping.

First, don’t punch anyone to get the latest iPad, Furby or Zhu Zhu Pets. Second, keep it local.

Spending money at locally-owned businesses benefits the local economy more than spending at non-local businesses.

For every $100 spent at a non-local business, $57 leaves the local economy. For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $73 remains in the local economy.

Spending at local businesses means more local taxes, which fund schools, police departments and roads.

Everything at a chain store can be found locally. Well, local businesses might not have a life-size Santa riding a sleigh led by reindeer, but let’s be honest. Is that necessary?

Here’s a list of my favorite local places in Oklahoma City:

• Forward Foods—They have a great selection of fine foods, and the cheese is incredible. This is the best place to get a gift for the family food snob.

• Blue 7—They have clothing for men and women. Local artists and designers sell their art, jewelry and clothing here. Home décor and adorable gifts also are available.

• Collected Thread—About 75 percent of the items here are locally made. They sell prints, accessories, clothing, and jewelry made by local artists.

• t, an urban teahouse—They have a huge selection of great teas and all the supplies to brew loose-leaf tea at home. Who doesn’t love a piping hot cup of Moroccan Mint?

If students buy a Keep It Local card from one of the aforementioned locations, they may receive discounts at more than 100 stores in or around Oklahoma City.

There’s always the option of buying a gift card for some tasty food. I recommend Tucker’s Onion Burgers, Café Do Brasil, Cuppies & Joe, or The Wedge Pizzeria.

It doesn’t matter for whom students purchase a gift. I can guarantee they will find something fitting at a local store.