As small business owners and proud members of Lowcountry Local First, we believe in supporting our hyperlocal economic eco-system, hence this year’s edition of RDA’s Holiday Gift Guide will highlight our go-to Park Circle / North Charleston businesses. We encourage everyone to be intentional with your dollars as shopping local provides great benefits for both individuals and communities. When consumers choose to patronize local businesses, they support their local economy, as a greater percentage of their spending stays within the community. This helps create jobs and stimulates economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship. Additionally, local shops often offer unique products and personalized customer service that larger chains cannot match. Shopping locally also contributes to a sense of community identity and cohesion, as residents become more connected to the places they live. Furthermore, local businesses tend to have a smaller environmental footprint, reducing the impact associated with long-distance shipping and promoting more sustainable practices. Consider supporting one or more of our Park Circle neighborhood shops below this holiday season or those local to you.

“For every $1 spent with a local business, over two-thirds ($0.68) stays in the local community to support local families, local causes, and other local businesses. It’s called the multiplier effect. By contrast, for every $1 spent with a national retailer, only about 30% to 40% stays local, or $0.30 to $0.40.”

— American Express 2022 Small Business Economic Impact Study