(WNY News Now) – Chautauqua County – As the holiday season enters its final stretch, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce urges residents to explore the diverse offerings of local businesses, emphasizing the unique and varied gift options available right in their community.
With just six days left for Christmas shopping, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is prompting residents to consider the wealth of options offered by small, locally-owned businesses. In an effort to bolster the local economy, the Chamber encourages patrons to explore the plethora of merchandise available, ranging from unique works of art to sporting goods, clothing, and more.
For those seeking local works of art, the Chautauqua Art Gallery, Chautauqua Visual Arts Galleries, and Gretchen’s Gallery offer a delightful selection. Book enthusiasts can find literary treasures at the Chautauqua Bookstore, University Book Store at SUNY Fredonia, Good Neighbor Bookstore, and Next Chapter Bookstore.
Local clothing boutiques such as ART Cloth + Craft, GG My Love, Skillmans, and Stagecoach West provide fashion-forward options. Hardware stores like ADD Lumber True Value and Everyday’s True Value offer a variety of practical gifts, while sporting goods enthusiasts can explore Fredonia Cycling and Jamestown Cycle Shop.
The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce emphasizes the economic benefits of supporting local businesses, noting that over 67 cents of every dollar spent at small, locally-owned establishments goes back into the community. In contrast, purchases at big box stores contribute only 43 cents on the dollar to the local economy.
To further encourage local shopping, the Chamber promotes the ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card, available in amounts ranging from $5 to $500. Redeemable at over 170 participating merchants, these cards offer recipients the flexibility to choose from a wide range of local experiences, goods, and services. In 2022, consumers utilized over $50,000 in ShopLocalCHQ Gift Cards, and this figure is expected to rise in the current year.
As shoppers finalize their gift lists, the Chamber urges them to consider the positive impact of choosing local businesses, fostering a sense of community and supporting the diverse array of enterprises that contribute to the vibrancy of Chautauqua County.
These are just a few suggestions. For a complete list of local Chamber member businesses run a search in their online Business Directory at www.chautauquachamber.org.
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