Strictly Commercial: Time to Shop Local

Three weeks ago, I decided to relaunch my holiday shopping. As a resident of Felton, my grocery shopping, banking, auto repairs, personal care, and gift shopping are local. And on Sunday evening a tradition, a chicken burrito for my husband and my vegetarian plate at Taqueria Vallarta. You guessed it, in downtown Felton.

These businesses and others are within three kilometers of each other. I like to shop locally. Growing up in Los Angeles, when I heard the slogan “Think Local First” it made sense and less motivating. Consider our gas prices, another perk of shopping locally.

Keeping our shopping local not only keeps our money and taxes in our valley, but also keeps the stores open, with less stress, crowds and convenient shopping. All types of products and services are available here in the Valley. You can even park your car at one end of the downtown Felton strip and walk to over 20 stores on this section of Highway 9. You can shop-shop-shop and climb those 10,000 steps on your fit.

While shopping, I learned that over 90% of downtown association business owners are women. I contacted Christy Schultz, Executive Director of the Downtown Felton Association (DFA) and Artistic Director and Editor-in-Chief of Growing Up Santa Cruz.

She enthusiastically shared how these store owners are committed to working together and beautifying downtown Felton.

“You will see on the tape how the trash cans are decorated,” she said. “These companies support the association and wish to offer the community quality products and services. In addition, many local artists offer unique and unique treasures in their stores.

Get your downtown map

As I was shopping on the Strip, the friendly store owners greeted me. They were eager to speak with pride about their business and neighboring traders. I felt so welcomed, especially when customer service seems absent in department stores and online services. True engagement with or without a face mask was refreshing. So get your downtown map at Downtownfelton.com and go shopping!

Events to come

8th annual SCM holiday market

• What: Holiday shopping
• Where: Felton Community Hall
• When: November 27, 10 am-4pm
• Details: Free entry. For information, visit bit.ly/3DMeICv.

Small Business Saturday Felton Town Center

• What: Shopping for the holiday season
• Where: Felton Town Center
• When: November 27, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Details: The DFA wants to make sure that you visit the stores, enjoy the tons of events happening, and buy unique treasures. For information, visit bit.ly/30P1Woa.

DFA is also organizing a raffle. Buy your raffle ticket for a chance to win fabulous prizes at Downtownfelton.com/donate.

Ultimately, the holiday spirit is alive and Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la in downtown Felton.

Janet Janssen is a coach and trainer specializing in helping business owners and their teams improve their sales and customer service skills and help improve public speaking and presentations. Contact her at [email protected] or 831-335-0553.