Holiday shoppers hunting for the perfect gift downtown will find extra Christmas cheer as part of 12 Days of Shop Local, put on by
Local First supports independent businesses and organizations in Durango, and it has seen such success as an organizer of Noel Night that it is putting on events throughout the shopping season, Managing Director Monique DiGiorgio said.
December is one of the most important shopping months of the year for local retailers, and DiGiorgio is optimistic about the season for retailers, especially if the sales of the organization’s Be Local Coupon Book are any indication.
“I think we’re going to have a really great 12 days because the books are flying off the shelves,” she said.
Shopping locally is important because the money recirculates in the community instead of being exported to other areas of the country or internationally, she said.
Meet Santa at Eighth Street and Main Avenue at 5:54 p.m. to march down Main Avenue to the Community Christmas Tree in Buckley Park while singing Christmas carols. The tree will be lit tonight. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be available while they last. If you would like to take free photos with Santa, bring your own camera.
Share a photo of your favorite small business in town while shopping and tell Local First why you love in-town shopping with the hashtag #ShopSmallDGO to be entered to win a Free 2018 Be Local Coupon Book.
Follow Local First on Facebook for clues to find a toy train hidden somewhere in Durango. The person who finds the train will win a family four-pack of train tickets.
If you are seen shopping in a local store Monday, with a shopping bag in your hands, you could win a $50 gift card to a local business. Ten gift cards will be given away.
Donate to your local nonprofits this #givingtuesday. Give a donation as a gift to the person who loves to give back. The Be Local Coupon Book also features a coupon sponsored by the Payroll Department that can be given as a $5 donation to one of three nonprofits in town. if it is dropped off at Local First or Maria’s Bookshop.
Local First 10th anniversary celebration and coupon book launch party at 5 p.m. at Ska Brewing Co. 225 Girard St., with live music and prizes.
Local First Colorado recently opened its doors. Make a pledge this week to spend money locally.
Durango’s Christmas party to find deals all day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at downtown businesses. Music and festivities will primarily take place between 5 and 9 p.m.
Studio & will host the fifth annual Bizarre Bazaar – a cross between a holiday bazaar and a Turkish bazaar. The bazaar will open from Dec. 1 until Dec. 9
Check out the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s Christmas Tree Train and The Polar Express Train.
If you are seen shopping in a local store Monday, with a shopping bag in your hands, you could win a $50 gift card to a local business. Ten gift cards will be given away in the second round of this event.
The Winter Solstice Market at the Durango Arts Center will offer ceramics, jewelry, metal, textiles, glass, wood, note cards, ornaments, calendars, photography, paintings, and drawings. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday beginning Friday through Dec. 23.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
Poll: Will you do the majority of your holiday shopping at local businesses, big-box stores or online?
Local businesses - 273 - 25.56%
Online - 701 - 65.64%
Big-box stores - 94 - 8.8%
