Payson Roundup

Editor:

I have to admit, like many of you, I have not explored our Rim Country stores this Christmas season. I’m not sure if I can blame it on time constraints, laziness or just a lack of being aware of what is right under our noses. On the urging of an out-of-town friend, I finally visited stores in the Swiss Village. I was surprised and amazed by what I saw there. All of the the items are better made and less expensive than I can purchase from a chain store and they are unique.

Once the holidays are over, I am concerned that our local boutiques and galleries will suffer from the lack of tourists in the first few months of the year. I would like to encourage everyone to visit our local merchants first when shopping for gifts or even housewares or clothes for themselves.

Shopping local, especially small businesses, helps everyone in Rim Country whether you are a business owner, student or even a retiree.

Supporting small business reinforces the ideals this country was founded on.

If a small business prospers, the business owners and their employees can then support other businesses who then can support other businesses. This, I believe, is a wonderful cycle and will be super for all of us in Rim Country.

I just read that for every $100 spent in a local store, $42 stays in the state. But, for every $100 spent in a retail chain, only $13 stays in the state. I think that says it all. Imagine how much better off our policemen and women and our teachers could be if we try to shop in non-chain/local stores.

My sincere wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

God bless.

Patti L. Blackmore, DVM