Logging onto a major retailer’s website and getting swept up in winter sales can be tempting, but before clicking on that “order now” Amazon button, think about the local stores that are barely keeping afloat. According to Fortune.com, nearly 100,000 U.S. businesses have shut down since the beginning of the pandemic, which is why The VanCougar recommends these local stores to get you started on your holiday shopping spree.
Wild Fern Boutique is a men and women’s apparel and accessories store located on Main Street in downtown Vancouver. Owner, Deanna Gaines, offers unique clothing, accessories and gifts geared towards popular pacific northwest styles. Gaines pointed out how local stores may not offer holiday sales this year due to trying to keep their doors open. She hopes this setback does not discourage shoppers from buying locally.
“There may or may not be as many sales for retailers who have a brick-and-mortar because they need the profit to sustain themselves through the holiday. … I think a lot of small businesses can’t afford that right now. But normally we would [offer discounts],” Gaines explained.
Nevertheless, Gaines hopes VanCougs will support stores that make them feel uplifted in a year that has brought on so many hardships.
“If I have any advice at all on where to choose to go, I would say go to what makes you feel good. . . Go to the store that gives the most positivity, that has a heart [and] is in it because they love what they’re doing,” Gaines said.
Located on Mill Plain Boulevard, Vintage Books is an independent family-owned shop that is every bookworm’s dream. The store has new and used books, some of which date back to the 1600s, games, socks, gift cards and other items perfect for the holiday season. They conveniently offer in-store shopping, curbside pick-up and online ordering every day of the week. Additionally, if you ever get a chance to visit, keep an eye out for the shop’s two cats, Maisie and Dickens.
Owner, Becky Milner, said she enjoys seeing people come in and select gifts for their loved ones. She reflected on all the small shops Vancouver has to offer, and how friendly the small business community is.
“There are so many interesting stores here. … There are local options for almost everything and people will be happy to work with you,” Milner said.
Last but not least is 1709 Records, a new and used vinyl-only record store located on Broadway Street in downtown Vancouver. This “one-stop record shop” carries records of every genre and artist imaginable in addition to selling turntables and other vinyl accessories. Owner, Miki Rodgers, keeps her store safely operating by providing gloves to customers so they can feel extra protected during their visit. Despite retail obstacles Rodgers faces during the pandemic, she is grateful for the support from the Vancouver community and other business owners during this unpredictable season.
“Vancouver has been a pretty rad little town that’s grown into a pretty awesome little city. I’m surrounded by some of the coolest people in the world, literally right next door to me. … The community and the shop owners have been amazing, so I thank them very much,” Rodgers explained.
While this season offers a chance to spread support to local businesses during a time where it matters most, these neighborhood shops guarantee the perfect holiday gifts that can be found right around the corner.