Ten Magical Places to Shop Local in the Evansville Region

We've Curated a Few Locally Owned Places You Can Shop in the Evansville Region

Make your list and check it twice because Mr. Claus called, and he said you should be shopping locally this season. So don your merriest garb, and don’t forget your best pair of walking shoes because it’s time to explore some of Santa’s sublime shopping places in the Evansville Region and stock up on gifts for everyone.

Here’s How Shopping Local Can Make a Difference

Shopping at Big Box stores often seems like the most convenient, cost-effective option for getting what you need. Whether that’s household essentials or your everyday groceries, for most of us, big retailers like Amazon and Wal-Mart are default shopping places. Quick, easy, convenient - it doesn’t sound like you could go wrong.

However, the reality is that shopping locally isn’t just good for you; there are tons of ways you can make an impact in your community by choosing to shop locally.

Help the Local Economy Thrive

When they first put down roots, big commercial retailers are often incentivized with tax breaks from local governments. That means a fraction of what you spend at these stores gets reinvested into your local community.

In general, shopping at locally owned & operated stores helps support the local economy by creating sales tax revenue that goes directly back to the community. Unlike commercial chain retailers, local shops are an integral part of the local economy. Every time you choose to shop locally, you can sleep well knowing that the tax dollars that you help create get reinvested into your local community for roads, public parks, and cultural icons that you can benefit from for years to come.

Reduce Your Eco Footprint

Free two-day shipping is the epitome of convenience, but it may be the most significant contributor to your carbon footprint. It’s true that shopping online has the potential to reduce your carbon footprint, especially in rural areas or if you have to drive to multiple places to get everything you need. 

However, for those close to local shops, you can make a big impact on your carbon footprint by simply choosing to shop locally. Plus, many local shops offer online shopping with in-store pickup, making shopping effortlessly convenient. Bonus points if you live close enough to walk or ride your bike to pick up your purchases!

Create & Support Local Jobs

Buying things locally doesn’t just benefit the economy thanks to boosted tax revenue; you’re also helping create and support innumerable local jobs. Seriously - don’t underestimate the impact that small, local businesses have on communities. In fact, over the last 25 years, they’ve accounted for two out of every three jobs added in the private sector. Take that, big box stores! 

The Evansville Region surely would not look like it does today without the thriving small businesses. Shopping locally this holiday season is one of the easiest ways to give the Region a little bit more of that Midwest magic.

Save Money

Sometimes, it can be hard to resist those eye-catching “deals” from big box stores. But you may not be getting as good of a deal as you initially thought. That’s because there’s far more invested in bringing goods to you from further away. More money is invested in time, labor, and shipping costs, which can drive up the price of goods.

When you choose to shop local, you get to bypass those sneaky costs. So why shop for produce, goods, and gifts from far away when it may be more cost-effective to purchase the same items locally? And in this economy, every dollar counts.