Local retailers and business groups are revving up their efforts to woo local residents and keep their dollars in the valley, especially during the Christmas shopping season.
"The Christmas holidays are one of the busiest times for local retailers," said Carol Waller, executive director of the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau. Locals shop more, visitors flood the area and merchants do what they can to capture business during this important time of the year.
"For me, December ... that's the ultimate. December is the most important month of the year," said Carol Knight, owner of The Toy Store in Ketchum.
"I hear more people talk about online shopping, especially if I don't have (an item)," Knight said. "But everybody's aware of shopping locally to keep our community circle going. They just don't always do it."
Mark Defe, owner of Sun Summit Ski & Cycle in Ketchum, said locals and second-home owners who come into town at Christmas are his mainstay.
"We have to compete with Internet and catalog sales and (businesses in) Twin Falls, so we're very competitive," he said. "They get a fair price here and high quality."
To steer people to local shops, the Ketchum-based chamber is promoting "Chamber Choice" gift certificates, which can be redeemed at more than 100 local businesses throughout the valley.
"The gift certificates offer recipients a wealth of shopping choices, and they also promote local shopping, which benefits the community," said Stefany Mahoney, membership and visitor services manager.
"First Tracks" is a regional campaign to draw visitors to the valley during the early season, but locals can take advantage of it as well.
Log on to www.visitsunvalley.com, click on "early winter specials," then on "first tracks," then on the "offers" link toward the bottom of the screen. Coupons and specials are available from local shops and restaurants.
Establishments participating in the "Share the Spirit" campaign—presented by the Sun Valley-Ketchum chamber in cooperation with the Ketchum Retail Alliance, the South Valley Merchants' Alliance and the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce—will donate portions of their proceeds to local nonprofit groups.
The campaign is set for Dec. 7 through Dec. 9.
"Don't go to Twin that weekend," Waller said. "Ask yourself, 'What can I buy here?'"
The Hailey Chamber of Commerce and the city of Hailey organized "Hailey Hometown Holidays," an event that sparked a festive spirit in people who came out Friday night, Dec. 1, for a parade and outdoor entertainment.
"We have a really dynamic group of business owners," said Julie Oxorango-Ingram, executive director of the Hailey Chamber of Commerce. "They're coming up with a lot of great ideas."
Hailey and Bellevue businesses are promoting themselves with weekly drawings for prizes until Christmas.
Participating South Valley merchants will offer a raffle ticket for every $10 spent. Drawings will be held every Saturday at 1 p.m. outside of KB's restaurant in downtown Hailey. People must be present to win, Oxorango-Ingram said.
"They're trying to encourage locals to walk into stores and see what they have," she said. "They might be pleasantly surprised."
Waller noted several reasons to shop locally instead of online or in other cities.
"There's a ritual aspect to that drive to Twin (Falls)," Waller said. "There's some things you cannot purchase in the valley, and that's valid. But to spend a half a tank of gas and a full day to save $10 on an item ..."
The convenience of online shopping can't be matched by browsing a bookshop, flipping through pages and running into friends, Waller added.
"If you want to have a range of options, you don't get that if those options don't stay in business," Waller said.
"You can't stress enough that local businesses are run by your friends and family. They employ your friends and family," she said. "They are here 12 months out of the year and are part of the community."
Shopping locally also plants seeds for future benefits.
"Two to three times a week all year long retailers are asked to help with fund-raising efforts," Waller said. "They're doing their part to be supportive in the community. We should be recognizing them for that."
Defe said local businesses want to keep that circle going.
"As everybody comes in and asks for benefit dollars ... if you don't have local people shopping here you don't have the dollars to give."
Jennifer Haemmerle makes a purchase from Kasey Ochmuht at Sturtevants Mountain Outfitters in Ketchum Friday. Retail stores, restaurants and business groups are joining forces to promote shopping locally during the holiday season. Photo by Willy Cook
