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1 PLAYSTATION 4, XBOX ONE 2 CALL OF DUTY GHOSTS 3 FIFA 14
1 INSPIRATIONAL JEWELRY b.u. charm necklaces for things like courage, luck, growth; Alex and Ani bangle bracelets and charm bracelets 2 MONOGRAMMED CASHMERE SCARF
4 CABELA’S DANGEROUS HUNTS 3 KATE SPADE NEW YORK LONG NECKLACE In Pink/Red/Gold 4 TORY BURCH AMANDA SMART PHONE WALLET
Reap the Rewards of Shopping Local by Chris LeBlanc
Shopping locally is the best choice economically, practically and philanthropically. It’s obvious that shopping locally keeps community money in the community. Local communities benefit most via employment. According to a study published in the Journal of Urban Economics in 2008, the presence of large chain stores decreases the total number of retail stores in an area, thus creating fewer jobs. Logically, one would think, “But, according to the relationship of supply and demand, if there are fewer jobs in a particular field in a particular area, the wages in that industry should then be higher, right?” Wrong. In fact, huge chain stores typically cut costs wherever they can, including their employees’ wages and benefits. On average, Wal-Mart’s hourly retail employees make 12.4 percent less than their locally employed counterparts, according to a University of California, Berkley Center for Labor Research and Education. Local merchants also give a lot back to the community. An American Express survey reported that 75 percent of small and medium-sized businesses contribute to charities, accounting for six percent of profits.
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teachers 1 GIFT BOX OF TOFFEE FROM TOFFEEBOX 2 SPA/PEDICURE GIFT CERTIFICATE 3 HANDMADE BOOKMARK Can also be given with a gift certificate for a book 4 PERSONALIZED STATIONERY OR CARDS 5 DIY S’MORES PACKAGE This charming gift can say, “We need s’more teachers like you!”
Here are a few new and unique local merchants that may pique your interest this holiday season:
CRAVE | 2801 Ryan St. Suite 100 This boutique style specialty food store puts an interesting twist on the shopping experience. Boasting more than 40 flavored extra virgin olive oils and balsamics from around the world, Crave offers a unique culinary shopping experience. Crave’s tasting bar also allows patrons a “trybefore-you-buy” option before they bottle your choices for you. For the most discerning palates on your list this holiday season, they also offer a wide range of specialty foods, cheese and wine. Gift items, bath products, custom gift baskets and gift certificates are also available. FROM THE ATTIC | 3505 Country Club Rd. From the Attic specializes in interior design and seasonal decorating. The spirit of the season is alive and well at From the Attic. An enormous Christmas tree, decorated top to bottom with a kaleidoscopic array of ornamental balls, lights and decorative reindeer dominates the store’s main showroom. From the Attic offers a wide
Thrive Magazine for Better Living
array of ornaments, floral arrangements and vignettes to help you get your home ready for the holidays. Gift cards are also available for the decorating enthusiast who seems to have everything.
LULU’S DOWNTOWN | 520 Seventh St. From classy to casual, the ladies of Lulu’s offer stylish women’s garments for all occasions. With its weathered wood furnishings and subdued stone colored tile floors, Lulu’s Downtown’s modern fashion offerings are contrasted by the rustic feel of the space. It is in this subdued atmosphere that the proprietors of Lulu’s dispense fashionable clothing, jewelry, watches, handbags and accessories. A unique gift idea for the social butterfly in your life, Lulu’s also offers custom hand-painted “party cups.”
CATINA COUTURE | 2706 Hodges St. Welcoming women of “all shapes and sizes,” Catina Couture offers a trendy shopping experience at an affordable price. Staying true to the classic style of “White House Black Market” (with a bit more color) Catina Couture focuses on sleek lines and boutique-style offerings, while
December 2013