Main Street: Shop locally for the holidays

Main Street Gardnerville has issued a call to residents in Carson Valley to support Main Street by shopping for gifts at local businesses first.

Main Street Gardnerville's small, independent businesses offer merchandise you can't find at national retailers, competitive prices, and great customer service - all within the charming historic atmosphere of Main Street Gardnerville.

"Our historic buildings, festive holiday decorations, friendly merchants, and unique gift selection all make shopping on Main Street a great experience," said Marcia Voeller, chair of the organization's board. "Holiday shopping on Main Street is an enjoyable alternative to fighting the crowds in other high traffic stores. We invite people to spread the holiday spirit where it counts - at home."

The nonprofit downtown revitalization group is spreading the word about supporting Main Street by encouraging people to watch a thought-provoking video available on their Web site, www.mainstreetgardnerville.org, and also on the Main Street Gardnerville Facebook and MySpace pages.

Shopping on Main Street and attending holiday festivities are not just fun; they are important ways to support the small, independent businesses everyone loves. Local businesses are the backbone of the community; they reinvest in Gardnerville and strengthen the local economy.

National research shows that a higher percentage of money spent at local businesses will stay in the local economy, while fewer dollars from purchases at national retailers stay in the local economy.

For example, a September 2009 study by Civic Economics of 15 locally owned businesses in New Orleans and an average SuperTarget store found that 16 percent of the money spent at SuperTarget stays local, while the local retailers returned 32 percent of their revenue to New Orleans.

Main Street Gardnerville's second annual Merry Main Street event is in full swing. Check out the organization's first pewter keepsake ornament available at participating Merry Main Street businesses. The fundraising series will feature a different scene from the heart of downtown Gardnerville each year and only a limited number available.

More details are online at www.mainstreetgardnerville.org.