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LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – With the holiday’s fast approaching, gift giving is upon us. Some people may race to order online but shopping locally helps keep the money in our community.
On Thursday, Lincoln’s Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird emphasized the importance of supporting those small businesses throughout the holiday season.
A locally owned bookstore, Francie & Finch, is one that you can support all holiday season and beyond. The owner, Leslie Huerta, said the support they receive during this season means everything.
“It’s our biggest sale period the last quarter, when you think about it, books are the perfect gift, it’s affordable, they’re something for everybody,” she said.
She also says it’s a win, win. Shopping local exposes people to items they might not see in bigger stores.
“It’s a chance to get out and explore the community and find some treasures you didn’t know about,” Huerta said.
Small businesses also contribute to the economy, helping Lincoln grow and keeping the dollars local.
“We got five employees here, we pay rent to the landlord, pay all our sales taxes, lots of taxes,” Huerta said.
To add to the ambience while you’re reading, Wax Buffalo, a candle shop in the Haymarket, sells soy, wax candles and hosts their own candle lab.
“If you think about those businesses you shop, the restaurants you go to, it’s local Lincolnites that are putting their blood, sweat, and often times, tears, into running a beautiful business that we believe in,” Brianne Bayer, Director of Brand at Wax Buffalo, said.
Often times, local businesses are able to build a relationship and get to know their customers on a personal level.
“You’re not just shopping this random store right; you’re shopping this community business that thrives because you support us so well,” Bayer said.
Mayor Gaylor Baird proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 25 as Small Business Saturday. A chance to get your gifts ahead of the season, from somewhere in your own backyard.
“It really gives us energy and just being able to move through the rest of the year, it’s a really important time of year,” Bayer said.
Here are events that will highlight local, small businesses, from the Office of the Mayor, that can serve your various needs this upcoming season:
- The Holiday Harvest Market features outdoor events Nov. 12 and 19 at 4801 Prescott, and indoor events Dec. 3 and 17 at Firefighter Hall, 241 Victory Lane. The market provides access to fresh food produced by local family farmers and producers.
- The 16th Annual Shop the Blocks event begins at 4 p.m. Nov. 16. Downtown Lincoln’s boutiques, bookstores, art galleries, specialty shops and more will be open late and offering VIP shopping, special discounts, and giveaways during this special event. Visit shoptheblocks.com for more information and to buy tickets.
- The Uni-Place Market is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26 on Saint Paul Avenue between North 47th and North 48th streets. The event features shopping, live entertainment, music, food trucks, and more.
- The seventh annual Haymarket Unwrapped is Dec. 1-3. The free event takes place during regular business hours and includes prizes, refreshments, and discounts in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District. It is produced by the Downtown Lincoln Association and the Lincoln Haymarket Development Corporation. For more information and ticket registration, visit lincolnhaymarket.org.
- Breakfast with Santa is from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Courtyard Marriott, 808 “R” St. Lazlo’s will be serving a hot breakfast with coffee by The Mill. There will be selfies with Santa, Santa gift bags for children and a coloring contest with a $50 Downtown Lincoln Gift Card grand prize. A mailbox will be provided for children to send their letters to Santa. Purchase tickets at lincolnhaymarket.org.
- The Wax Buffalo’s Winter Market on “O” Street is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 under the viaduct at 727 “O” Street. The event includes more than 100 vendors offering food, drinks, and handmade gifts. Purchase tickets at waxbuffalo.com.
- The Love, the Locals Holiday Market is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at Canoyer Garden Center, 2601 Long Pine Road. The event features more than 70 vendors, food, drink and live music. Purchase tickets at lovethelocalsnebraska.com.
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