Shop Small

Every year about this time folks begin to panic over what gifts they’re going to buy and where they can get them. If you’re one of those people - and let’s face it, we’ve all been there - we’ve got you covered. 

Right here in Navarro County we have a slew of small, locally owned businesses that would love to help fulfill your loved ones’ wishlists. While it’s easy to get on our phones, click on one of the big online retailers, tap a couple of times and wait for a package to arrive, I’d like to challenge all of us to shift our mindset to spending more of our hard earned dollars locally. Today, Small Business Saturday, is a great time to start applying the principle of “shop small; shop local.” When we buy from a local business approximately 68 cents on the dollar stays in the community. (According to Amy Hartzler, director of communications for the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) 

If you’re shopping for a teacher, a work colleague, best friend, spouse or child, you can get amazing gifts from local, small and family owned businesses. Our town has everything from vintage clothing to quality children’s toys and local wine to fruitcake and more. Here are just a few of the businesses that call Corsicana home: 

The Corsicana Residency Storefront on Commerce is a great place to pick up a book or gift for people of all ages. But beyond that, it is a bookshop.org affiliate, an online alternative to Amazon for Independent Bookstores. The nonprofit store receives a percentage of the sale from any book (any book you can imagine is available) purchased through Corsicana Residency Storefront online. https://bookshop.org/shop/corsicanaresidencystorefront

Properly Planted on Beaton is an inviting plant shop, but so much more. The owner, Paula, makes the idea of growing houseplants more approachable, even for a novice like me. And in case you’re still not convinced, she stocks plant inspired mugs, jewelry and other gifts.

Owned and run by friends Renee and Pam, Beaton Street’s Emporium 1905 is a treasure trove for those searching for vintage items. Whether it’s a 1950’s cocktail dress, an apron like your grandmother wore, or a pair of Lucchese boots in mint condition, this is the place. 

And if you still don’t know what to give, local clothing boutiques, salons, gift shops and restaurants offer gift cards. In addition, family owned Self Revolution Yoga and Purdon Groves both offer package experiences for those on your list. And artisans and makers provide one of a kind items at our area’s many vendor markets. 

When you shop small; shop local, you have the opportunity to give a thoughtfully curated/created gift or experience to your loved ones. But that’s not all - you actually help a small business succeed, which allows our community to thrive.

This piece first appeared in Sherry’s column, Finding Myself in a Small Town, in the November 25, 2023 edition of the Corsicana Daily Sun.