Happy (local) shopping

Last week, Melvina Worman was thrilled to learn she had won a gift certificate basket put together by several Sequim merchants. The basket idea and subsequent drawing was a team effort between area merchants and the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The drawing was a first for Sequim merchants and was in part a move to encourage folks to shop locally.

It was a good idea that brought dozens of shoppers into stores to sign up for a chance to win the basket that was worth more than $1,200 - and do a little shopping, as well. 

Shop local. We've heard it before, especially during the holiday season.

This year that plea means more to area merchants, not just in Sequim, but all communities, than in past holiday seasons, in part because the "R" word is officially more than a word.

The country's economy is in a recession and from the looks of it, thing aren't predicted to loosen up for another year or so.

The biggest losers in a recession are local retail businesses. When money is tight, people tend to flock to major department or discount stores for the cheapest "best buy."

And who can blame them? The dipping stock market mirrors the loss of personal investment accounts, unemployment is on the rise and credit is difficult to get.

Just last week, WaMu, a Seattle-based bank, announced layoffs to the tune of 1,500 people, with another 1,500 to follow. We haven't heard how or if the layoffs will affect the Sequim WaMu branch.

Nonetheless, most of us will be spending money on holiday gifts.

The question is, why not spend the money right here in

Sequim?

Think of the alternative. Without local retail businesses, our community would not thrive. Storefronts would be vacant - and frankly, there are more than a few of those right now - and our sales tax revenue would keep decreasing.

Sales tax generated by local businesses stays in town, putting police on the streets and providing recreation for children. Local business people often are involved in charitable organization work, as well. Just look at the number of merchants who support the Boys & Girls Club programs, youth soccer and Little League, the food bank, Rotary, Kiwanis and the list goes on.

Money spent here recirculates here and that includes money spent in the local big box stores.

But shopping in Sequim shouldn't just be done out of obligation. There's fun to be had. A week or so ago, the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber hosted the annual lighting contest at Bank of America Park, complete with Santa riding down Washington Street in a mule-drawn wagon. And the lines to whisper a wish list to Santa were much shorter than in a downtown Seattle store, not to mention the opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors.

Walking up and down the familiar streets of Sequim certainly beats pushing through crowds of strangers in a mall. Add up the gasoline, time and probably lunch or dinner, and the out-of-town shopping trip quickly adds up.

Shopping in Sequim during the holiday season gives the opportunity to support local charities, such as the food bank, Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army.

The Sequim JCPenney round-up program, in which shoppers round their purchase costs up to the next dollar, means funds for the Boys & Girls Club. The store recently gave the local club a check for $3,100. By the way, the program continues through Dec. 14.

The bottom line is if we want our local businesses to grow, we have to support the merchants who are the area's lifeblood. A vibrant downtown and shopping environment offers options to those who live here as well as stimulating the local economy that supports the overall community. 

Can you find it in Sequim? Look around, there are plenty of retailers, restaurants and commercial businesses offering tons of products, some locally produced and not to be found anywhere other than Sequim.

Happy shopping.

Good for us

We must be doing something right - maybe shopping at home - since there are at least four building projects in progress.

Discount Tires and Schucks are being built in the west end of town, while right here in downtown Sequim, everyone awaits fresh-baked bread at the Bell Street Bakery, opening date yet to be determined.

Last week a ground-breaking for a new Holiday Inn Express and Black Bear Diner on the east end of town brought out city leaders and community members, shovels in hand and smiles on faces.

All these business will boost Sequim's coffers, an unusual situation in this economic downturn.

Lucky us.

Don't be shy

Last week we asked readers to contact us with your best Christmas story to be featured in an upcoming issue. We also asked for well-decorated homes so we could take a photo, again for print just prior to Christmas.

So far, we haven't heard a word. Give us a call. We'll take care of the writing and photography.

Mary Powell can be reached at 683-3311 or editor@sequimgazette.com.