Local businesses finding the holiday spirit despite challenges

If you’ve already received an “ordered canceled” email, you’re not alone. But local business owners say they have the solution.”I do believe it’s always that people should shop local,” said Sara Jacobson, a new business owner.This year, especially, Jacobson said shopping local can give you the gift of peace of mind”We are the ones who care about our community, we are working for the community,” said Jacobson.”Out-of-stock” messages for online shopping are expected to go up 172 percent this year compared to last, according to Adobe Analytics.”I have had some things canceled already, so then you have to scramble to find something else,” said Kelli Cloud, who was shopping Friday night in the Old Market. Because of the global supply chain crisis, shoppers are already knocking items off their holiday list.”Just shopping early to make sure you get things that you want because there’s not enough out there this year,” said Cloud.The supply chain issues and the effects of the pandemic on the economy are impacting the way some shoppers approach the holidays.”I’m trying to be more intentional with my shopping just because it has been a tough year, lots of expenses,” said Sophia Dongilli, who was shopping in Little Bohemia. Jacobson is keeping her shelves stocked by supporting other independent entrepreneurs.”Smaller, more independent makers who are doing their own thing, so that’s not necessarily as hard to get,” said Jacobson. Jacobson opened her Little Bohemia boutique, Family of Things. She said opening during a fragile time for the global economy “was tricky in a lot of ways.”She said shipping costs have been high, but she is making do, and trying to keep prices reasonable for her clientele.”I’m worried about all of it, but I also feel like I’ve gotten support from the community,” said Jacobson.Her shop’s survival depends on people getting in the spirit of shopping locally.”Wanting to keep our community vibrant, and keep those businesses alive,” said Dongilli.

If you’ve already received an “ordered canceled” email, you’re not alone. But local business owners say they have the solution.

“I do believe it’s always that people should shop local,” said Sara Jacobson, a new business owner.

This year, especially, Jacobson said shopping local can give you the gift of peace of mind

“We are the ones who care about our community, we are working for the community,” said Jacobson.

“Out-of-stock” messages for online shopping are expected to go up 172 percent this year compared to last, according to Adobe Analytics.

“I have had some things canceled already, so then you have to scramble to find something else,” said Kelli Cloud, who was shopping Friday night in the Old Market.

Because of the global supply chain crisis, shoppers are already knocking items off their holiday list.

“Just shopping early to make sure you get things that you want because there’s not enough out there this year,” said Cloud.

The supply chain issues and the effects of the pandemic on the economy are impacting the way some shoppers approach the holidays.

“I’m trying to be more intentional with my shopping just because it has been a tough year, lots of expenses,” said Sophia Dongilli, who was shopping in Little Bohemia.

Jacobson is keeping her shelves stocked by supporting other independent entrepreneurs.

“Smaller, more independent makers who are doing their own thing, so that’s not necessarily as hard to get,” said Jacobson.

Jacobson opened her Little Bohemia boutique, Family of Things. She said opening during a fragile time for the global economy “was tricky in a lot of ways.”

She said shipping costs have been high, but she is making do, and trying to keep prices reasonable for her clientele.

“I’m worried about all of it, but I also feel like I’ve gotten support from the community,” said Jacobson.

Her shop’s survival depends on people getting in the spirit of shopping locally.

“Wanting to keep our community vibrant, and keep those businesses alive,” said Dongilli.