5 Reasons Why We Love Our Local Retailers (and why you should too!)

You’ve heard it before, and we’re going to say it again, we love our local retailers. We think they deserve all the support from their local communities and economies. You might be surprised where ornaments pop up. We sell to a lot of year-round Christmas shops, but there are plenty of boutiques, mom-and-pop shops, and specialty stores that carry our well-themed, glass-blown Christmas ornaments. Old World Christmas spans way beyond Christmas into the personal details of life. Here are 5 reasons why we love our local retailers, and why you should love them too. 

1. Shopping local benefits the local economy

A healthy, local economy benefits the entire community, not just the local business. There is growing research that buying local keeps money within the local community, and as the money continues to move within a local community, the local economy is bolstered. Purchasing from big-box stores and online retailers causes money to flow out of the community. 

2. Personalized Experience

There have been a couple (or maybe just one or two) giant retailers that has single-handedly changed the face of retail. In our desire for convenience, we’re becoming more comfortable with a less-personal experience. When you support one of our local retailers you are getting to know those in your own community, creating a worthy bond and relationship. Local retailers want to keep their customers happy because their livelihood and success depends on loyal customers who shop consistently. When our local retailers know their customers, they will carry items that resonate with their customers. It’s a win-win: our local retailers stay in business, and their customers get what they’re looking for. 

3. Creates Community

Local shops enhance local community by fostering great relationships within their communities. Many times local retailers are the first to support community efforts, local brands, and highly specialized events. Local shops don’t just sell merchandise, they create a highly personalized, community oriented destination. As relationship between shop keeper and customers is built, information is exchanged, knowledge is shared, and community is built organically. The local shop is the first place to say yes to inviting the Girl Scouts to sell cookies outside the front door, and to sponsor the local high school’s booster club. 

4. Better Service

Because of the accountability and personalized experience, local retailers will naturally provide better service to their customers. Shop owners want to keep their customers happy, and will go to great lengths to listen closely to what their customers are looking for and hoping to buy. Because staying in business depends on loyal and consistent customers, a smart shop keeper will be open to suggestions if you aren’t finding what you’re looking for. 

5. Unique Product

Local stores have the benefit of creating a shop filled with unique goods. They can pick and choose local teams, fan favorites, and specialized items that only their customers will love. It’s one of the reasons our local retailers love Old World Christmas. Because of our 1,500+ ornaments, each one perfectly designed and finished with a dash of sparkle, our retailers are able to order an assortment of ornaments that specifically benefit their own customers. You can find Old World Christmas in Christmas-exclusive shops as well as many, many other local shops. 

We’re so proud of what our local retailers provide to their customers and local economies. If you don’t already have a favorite local shop where you find all your favorite Old World Christmas ornaments, use our map to search for a local retailer near you.