Shop Local This Holiday Season
The resilience and unity of communities is shining through after Hurricane Helene. For businesses, families, and individuals in affected areas, the road to recovery requires rebuilding infrastructure and restoring livelihoods. At McGill, we understand the critical role local economies play in the recovery process, and we want to highlight why shopping locally is one of the most impactful ways you can support neighbors in need this holiday season.
Keeping Dollars in the Community
Shopping locally keeps more of your dollars within the community. Local businesses often source products locally, hire regional employees, and reinvest in the area. After Hurricane Helene, many small businesses are facing financial challenges from having to repair their storefront and restock inventory. Every purchase made at a local store contributes to their recovery, helping them reopen their doors and return to a pre-storm state.
Forging Connections
Local businesses are major employers in Western North Carolina. These businesses provide jobs that sustain families and contribute to the community’s overall economic health. By choosing to shop locally, you can directly support those who call this region home, which can help them rebuild their lives after the storm. When you shop local, you do more than just make a purchase—you forge connections. Local businesses often act as community hubs, hosting events or supporting local causes. By investing in them, you are providing support that is vital for sustaining the economic health of a community and region.
How You Can Help
Here are simple ways to support local businesses this holiday season:
Shop in Local Markets and Stores: Buy produce, crafts, and goods from regional farmers and artisans.
Dine at Local Restaurants: Support family-owned eateries offering locally sourced menus.
Gift Experiences: Gifting experiences create memories that last a lifetime. Look for opportunities to purchase gifts that create these experiences locally and connect you with others.
Use ShopWNC.com: ShopWNC is a site created by the impacted Western North Carolina (WNC) counties and is dedicated to helping support local communities and small businesses that have endured significant losses due to Hurricane Helene. The purpose of this site is to promote those communities and towns that are open to visitors or have online stores where you can show your support by purchasing from these businesses.
Spread the Word: Use social media to share your experiences with local businesses and encourage others to support them.
Looking Ahead
Rebuilding after Hurricane Helene is a collective effort. Local businesses are the backbone of communities, and we all can make a difference in our local economies this holiday season. Together, we can reshape our communities and help them emerge from this challenge stronger, more united, and ready for a brighter future.
