Another holiday shopping season is in full swing, so it’s a good
time to remind Gilroy residents of the many benefits of buying
locally whenever possible. And these days, with the burst of retail
growth in our city, it’s almost impossible to want something you
can’t buy in town.
Another holiday shopping season is in full swing, so it’s a good time to remind Gilroy residents of the many benefits of buying locally whenever possible. And these days, with the burst of retail growth in our city, it’s almost impossible to want something you can’t buy in town.
When you buy from a local merchant, you generate sales tax dollars that fund important city services. From police and fire protection to recreation programs, from help for senior citizens to city beautification projects, much of the money for these programs comes from sales tax dollars from purchases made in Gilroy. There’s no benefit to city coffers when you purchase items from the Internet or out-of-town retailers.
When you buy from a local merchant, you help keep jobs in town. Retail jobs, especially, are often held by young people and others who are new or returning to the job market.
When you buy from a local merchant, especially from a store that is owned by an area resident, your dollars are likely to be turned over in the Gilroy economy several times, as that merchant uses them to purchase supplies and services from other local businesses.
When you buy from a downtown merchant, you help make the dream of a vibrant city center that much closer to reality for Gilroy.
When you buy from a local winery or farm stand, you help support the wineries and small farms that keep our lovely rural scenery from being overrun by development.
Between the big box stores, the outlets, the downtown merchants, the unique mom-and-pop stores tucked all over our community, and the many area wineries, Gilroyans should be able to buy nearly everything on their holiday shopping lists right here in town.
If you need a whiz-bang kitchen gadget, the latest electronic fad, gourmet gift baskets, beautiful plants, high-end clothing, sparkling jewelry, fine wine, CDs and videos, musical instruments, or sacks full of toys and books, you can buy it all right here in Gilroy.
Before you hop on the Internet or into your car for ride to North County for a shopping spree, remember how much your purchases can help your friends and neighbors who aren’t even on your gift list.
This holiday season, let’s double the impact of the gifts we give. Let’s help our neighbors by giving Gilroy merchants the first chance to earn our holiday shopping dollars.
