We invite you to Shop More Local!
Did you know that if each family in Beaufort County spent $20 at a local business, there would be a $57 million impact on the county’s economy?
That’s one small step that could have an incredible impact on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding cities. Money spent at local shops, restaurants, boutiques and services means more local resources used, which helps the economy.
“They’re paying more local taxes, so there’s more money that stays in the local economy than when it’s spent at a national chain, and there’s more being spent at other local providers,” Emily McLeod Sulkes, director of operations at IRMA Does Marketing and ShopMoreLocal.org, explains.
Shop More Local was started just days after Hurricane Matthew to help the businesses in the area and encourage shoppers.
For them it’s not just about spending locally one day of the year—on Small Business Saturday—but taking small steps throughout the year to help the local economy grow and thrive.
“It’s not about any one day,” Sulkes said. “Certainly that’s a valuable day and a valuable effort. But with the initiative spanning several months here, there’s a opportunity to make a larger impact there.”
Besides, it’s those small businesses that create the unique coastal culture that attracts so many to our Island.
So as the season of shopping begins, search out the local boutiques, galleries and restaurants for those special gifts.
Instead of bounding through doors at midnight on Black Friday, bustle on over to the smaller shops on Small Business Saturday. But don’t let it stop there.
Start buying some of your veggies at the Farmer’s Market or picking up jam made locally. Grab a bite to eat at restaurants run locally—like The Crazy Crab or The Salty Dog Café. Find that unique Island Style—a mix of Southern charm, coastal-casual and high-end flair—at local retailers and enjoy some of the activities you’ve yet to do on Hilton Head Island (or in Bluffton). Get out and take a Gullah Heritage Tour. Go with some friends on fishing charter or kayaking adventure. Ot take your sweetheart on a cruise along the coast. If you haven’t done it yet, think of this as your perfect excuse!
“There are a lot of wonderful local businesses in the area. Not every place is so lucky to have such a diverse local business base,” Sulkes said.