ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – The holiday season is quickly approaching, and small businesses across Roanoke are encouraging people to consider shopping locally as an option.
The impact of online shopping seems to get bigger each year, and while this trend doesn’t affect bigger businesses, it’s detrimental at the local level.
“There’s an expectation that we’re just about eight percent fewer people are shopping in-person at stores compared to even just last year,” Jadrian Wooten, an associate professor of economics at Virginia Tech, said. “While we’re spending more money and we’re spending more money online, that’s not necessarily true for the small businesses, so it really does matter a lot to them.”
Serenity Treasures is a local business that sells handmade clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs. It has stayed in operation in downtown Roanoke for almost 11 years now.
The store’s owner Dev Oeli said it’s because of the loyal customers that continue to shop there that help keep them in business.
“I would like to express my special thanks to local people who have been supporting us throughout 11 years,” he said. “I would like to welcome them this year too, so they can come over here and then we can reestablish our relationship between small business and local people.”
People who do like to shop locally appreciate the hands-on experience that comes with it.
“You’re able to put your hands on it and see it, look at it, and make sure that it’s exactly what you’re wanting,” Sarah Jones, a local shopper, said. “Whether it’s art, or different crafts and things like that can make it a little bit more personable.”
Oeli also mentioned the local economic impact of shopping at small businesses.
“Whatever money you spend in local business, it also stays locally,” he said. “That helps in so many different aspects of life.”
Serenity Treasures is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.