Shopping Locally
Last week's piece mentioned quite a bit about our town (Yes, OUR town!) and how we all need to step it up as a society. Today's column….errrr….whatever these weekly things are….will lead right into that!
Have you ever seen the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce's ads? They're all about local. “Shop Local, Buy Local, Eat Local,” etc .... and this is exactly what we need to do.
Are you aware of the effect our locally owned businesses feel when we spend our money in our own community, rather than taking it elsewhere? When we spend our hard-earned money at a locally owned business, we're supporting someone's family. We are supporting their dream; we're supporting the businesses that sponsor our children's sports teams; we are supporting our local economy.
When we make the choice to step foot into a local business, we are nurturing our community. It's likely, in a small town like Big Spring, that you know someone who owns a local company. Whether it be a thriving, well-known business, or someone who's desperately trying to make a sale from an online store, let's support them! And for heaven's sake, people, don't ask your friend for a discount if they own a business!
There are so many hidden gems in Big Spring! I'm going to name a few from the top of my head that you may not think of when you're looking for a gift or something unique:
•Big Spring Health Food Store - Y'all. If you've never been inside, stop what you're doing and go now! Mindy and her staff are the most knowledgeable, and helpful people! This store is one-of-a-kind, carrying Keto & Diabetic-friendly cooking ingredients, body care items, sports nutrition, vitamins, herbs, local honey and so much more!
•Howard County Feed & Supply - There's an amazing gift shop located behind the counter They have loads of unique home decor items, purses, candles, and so much more!
•OC Farm & Ranch – Obviously, they supply farm and ranch supplies. But, hey girl heyyyyy! They're offering some of the cutest clothing and shoes on the market! They carry Black Rifle Coffee Company items, earrings, custom-branded gift items and so many more gift options! Stop by their location in Coahoma, or check them out on Facebook!
•Heritage Museum of Big Spring- If you haven't been to Dora's Store inside Heritage Museum, you are missing out! They have items unique to Big Spring, cook books, concealed carry purses, cutting boards, puzzles and more. But!! They also have items for kids like slime, magnets and more! My girls seriously love this place!
•Loco Flamingos - What an adorable place! They carry decor that you can't find anywhere else! Hurry! Go check them out ASAP!
•Big Spring Convention & Visitors Bureau - Not only are these some of the most helpful and friendly ladies you'll ever meet, but they have the best Big Spring souvenirs!
Y'all….(in my most honky-tonk Texan accent), there are tons of options hidden in plain sight. Several shops are inside other stores and they're just waiting for us to explore! Let's come together to keep our tax dollars local and support our local families. They have poured their hearts, souls and countless hours into something that they've dreamed would someday be profitable and prosperous. Let's be that support for them! We have so many options! Stop traveling out of town and shop locally first!