Small businesses are essential to a healthy community. A healthy small-business environment encourages people to stay and invest in their towns, perpetuating better public resources. It also encourages more small businesses to open, generating new jobs and income for the area. With the holiday shopping season already begun, it’s the perfect time to help bolster your local economy by supporting small businesses!
Why Shop Local
When you shop at a national chain, or big box store, only about 30 percent of your purchase amount stays in the local economy, according to a study by Civic Economics. For locally owned businesses, the percentage invested back into the local economy more than doubles.
Local businesses are twice as likely to donate to local causes than national chains. Getting to know local business owners lends itself to better customer service and a more rewarding shopping experience.
“Small businesses are the heart of our towns and local economies,” said Nicole Zhao, Branch Manager at First Fed Bank in Bellevue. “Shopping local is an easy way to show support for small businesses and strengthen our communities.”
Unique Local Products
One of the many perks of shopping local is discovering unique items and gifts, whether they’re wares crafted by local artists or products that the family can enjoy together. Here are some local small businesses located in Northwest Washington that would love your patronage this shopping season:
BILLY Footwear
BILLY Footwear offers a unique, innovative zipper design on their shoes that’s both fashion-forward and adaptive-friendly. Both kid and adult styles come in a range of colors, patterns and designs that are as fun to wear as they are functional. From sneakers to snow boots, they offer something for everyone.
Shop online at: billyfootwear.com
Blue Spirits Distilling
Sourced from the glacial waters of Lake Chelan, the award-winning Blue Spirits line includes a variety of crafted gins, whiskeys, vodkas, rums and tequilas that provide endless taste combinations and cocktail possibilities.
Shop at their Leavenworth retail location or online at: bluespiritsdistilling.com
Fairhaven Toy Garden
Fairhaven Toy Garden is filled to the brim with toys that spark imagination. They also carry high-quality children’s art and craft supplies, puzzles, and family games for all ages. Their curated toys keep packaging and plastics minimal for an eco-friendlier approach.
Shop at their Bellingham location or online at: fairhaventoygarden.com
Dungeness Kids
From clothes and shoes to toys and books, Dungeness Kids offers one-stop shopping for the kids in your life. Choose from their wide range of curated items to find that perfect gift.
Shop at their Sequim retail location or online at: dungenesskids.com
Full Moon Candle Company
For 19 years Full Moon Candle Company has been crafting what they believe to be the perfect candle. These high-quality candles come in a wide variety of scents and colors, great for adding some olfactory magic to your holidays.
Shop at their Sequim retail location or online at: fullmooncandle.com
Kindred Collective
Kindred Collective sells crafted gifts, home goods, apparel, accessories and more! They hold space for more than 60 artists, makers and small businesses, with over 40 of those being from Washington state. A great place to find unique gifts.
Shop at their retail space in Port Angeles or online at: kindredhomeco.com
Olympic Wool Works
Do you need beautifully hand-dyed wool to create your next fabric art project? Olympic Wool Works carries, perhaps, the largest variety of colors of hand-dyed wool to be found in one shop, with more than 200 different color selections to choose from.
Shop online at: olympicwoolworks.com
Toland Flags
Toland Flags offers a large variety of decorative flags, doormats and pillowcases suitable for all occasions. They also offer custom printing so you can design your own. A great way to spruce up your garden or outdoor space for any holiday!
Shop online at: tolandflags.com
Seattle Sun: Tanning & Light Spa
Treat your family or friends to a therapeutic experience! In addition to tanning services, Seattle Sun also offer a growing number of light-therapy solutions. These include red light therapy for anti-aging, blue light for acne reduction, and infrared wellness pods for pain reduction, circulation stimulation, immunity boosts and mood boosts.
Visit their King County locations or purchase a gift card online at: seattlesuntan.com
Wildernest
From lifestyle and outdoor clothing to gear and supplies, Wildernest carries a range of favorite brands perfectly suited to PNW adventures.
Shop at their Bainbridge Island location or online at: wildernestoutdoorstore.com
Wild Thistle Jewelry
Port Townsend resident Suzy Louise creates one of kind pieces using textured metals and stones for her line of “jewelry from the earth.” You can find unique earrings, bracelets, pendants, and rings on her website, perfect for gifting.
Shop online at: wildthistlejewelry.com
First Fed loves working with local businesses. If you own a business, ask us about our Premium Business Savings account or SBA Loans. Learn about more of our business customer stories at https://www.ourfirstfed.com/business/customers
First Fed is a member FDIC and equal housing lender.
