Sure, Geauga County has a few big box stores for your standard holiday shopping.
But what some people don’t realize or might take for granted is the underground shopping experience Geauga offers that not many surrounding counties can boast.
“We are definitely a treasure trove of holiday shopping opportunities” for both mainstream and rarer, unique or niche items within the small independent stores, said Destination Geauga President Lynda Nemeth.
“Many of our shops are having (and will have) special events and open house-type events leading up to the holidays,” Nemeth said, directing people to the event calendar (www.DestinationGeauga.com) to see what has been posted so far.
Why Go Local?
Another reason to keep it local is the support it gives the local economy, said Anita Stocker, director of Geauga County?Community and Economic Development.
“Each dollar spent at locally owned business returns three times more to the local economy than money spent at a chain store,” she said. “Also, locally owned businesses tend to donate more money and time to community causes. The community is enhanced by the tax dollars and by their personal investment in the community.”
Even companies like American Express understand the importance of shopping locally, with its “Small Business Saturday” deal.
“When shopping on (Nov. 28), Small Business Saturday, consumers with registered American Express cards receive $10 credits on their monthly statements when they shop at local businesses,”?said Melanie Reda, co-director of the Chesterland Chamber of Commerce. “And this isn’t only in Geauga County, but nationwide, there is an overwhelming movement toward keeping local money in the local community. Ultimately, by shopping local, there is greater success among the local businesses and via the trickle down effect, taxes will be lower and community interests will see greater improvements.”
There are also options locally that aren’t always found in big box stores, Reda pointed out.
“A Dog’s Life (in the?West Geauga Plaza) has a great selection for your pets, including natural and organic products that are harder to find at the big box stores,” she said. “The Quilted Thimble at the West Geauga Plaza not only offers quilting fabrics and tools, but also classes to create timeless gifts for family and friends.”
Online Options
For those who don’t want to venture out into the cold and prefer to shop from their computer, there are plenty of independent stores who offer online shopping, Nemeth said.
“You can order products or even have products shipped from iconic locations like Burton Log Cabin, Richards Maple, Fowlers Milling Company, End of the Commons (General Store) and Middlefield (Original) Cheese,” Nemeth said. “You can purchase online gift certificates for locations like Bass Lake, Welshfield Inn, Mary Yoders, Punderson, and Red Maple Inn. You can also purchase tickets online to events such as productions at Geauga Lyric Theater or Rabbit Run, and even discounted season passes to Pioneer Waterland. All which are very specific to Geauga County.”
Nemeth said most stores offer gift certificates or gift cards, including most of the?Amish stores, in some form.
Save Local Now also offers unlimited discounts and special pricing for many of Geauga County businesses, Reda said.
“Tommy’s Jerky Outlet not only has a physical store on Chillicothe Road, but can also be ordered from online for shipping nationwide,”?she said. “Buckeye Chocolate Company located in Burton has a full selection of delicacies available for online purchase and nationwide shipping, too. “
And to compliment that chocolate, people can purchase some flowers from Chesterland Floral or the new Flowers by Emily, Nemeth added.
Unique Items
Destination Geauga’s Facebook page, last year, featured fun gift ideas every day during the month of December that highlighted various stores throughout the county, Nemeth said.
Some examples: Geauga County jewelry, hand-crafted solid wood cutting boards or walking sticks, personal training certificates or private dance classes, or personalized family sweatshirts.
“We also threw the offer out there on Facebook that if anyone was looking for a ‘unique’ gift that they could not find, they could ask on our page, and if we didnt know where to find it, we’d pose the question to all our members and other FB friends to try to find out,”?Nemeth said “Anything to drive traffic back to our stores.”
Reda’s personal favorite “hidden gem” is Patterson Fruit Farm in Chester Township.
“People forget that they are actually open year round, have a fully stocked bakery and loads of Amish and locally made jams and other goodies,”?she said.
Reda also offered advice for the men out there who don’t know what give the “special lady in their life.”
“You cannot beat the gentle guidance offered by Passion for Fashion owner Gayle Tuttle and her staff or their price,” she said.
Reda also mentioned the Geauga County Habitat for Humanity ReStore as a great spot to find both practical pieces that can be transformed into personalized treasures or unique items as well.
The Vintage Way
One trend growing in popularity are second-hand, re-purposed, vintage, reused/recycled and upcycled items,?Nemeth said.
“Whatever you want to call them, they are just multiplying, and some are really full of great stuff for those looking for a shopping adventure and possibly a great deal,”?she said.
Some options that came to mind were Rustic Rewind, Beth & Dawn’s Garage Sale Store, The Barn Treasures, Off Center, Special Hands Shoppe, White Barn, The Nest, Pickers Heaven and Rebus and Emmalees.
“Obviously shopping local keeps our dollars in the county and helps reinvest in the community in multiple way,”?Nemeth said.