Francis can often be found at Blake’s Books in McKinleyville.
ANNETTE MAKINO, TIMES-STANDARD, EUREKA, CA, Nov. 14, 2021
Almost three-quarters of all online shopping journeys now start with Amazon—and it’s easy to see why. The selection, convenience and price are truly tempting.
But as the holidays approach, let’s consider the top ten reasons to shop local, especially from Humboldt artists and craftspeople.
It keeps your money local. Studies show that independent retailers return more than three times as much to the local economy than chain stores. My greeting cards are printed at Bug Press in Arcata, so every card sale represents income to a local printer.
It makes for a vibrant community. We’ve all passed through those sad, lifeless towns that are just a collection of chain stores and strip malls. Shopping local supports the quirky, one-of-kind retailers that make Humboldt lively and unique.
It’s way more fun to shop local. Walk into the Holly Yashi Store and a staffer will offer you a free cappuccino. At Blake’s Books, you may be greeted by Francis, a sweet Bedlington Terrier. Stop by Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate and pick up a sampler of their bean-to-bar artisanal chocolate. Visit an artist in their studio and learn about their process.
You get more expertise. Unlike Amazon bots, independent store owners have to know their stuff. If you’re considering buying a fruit tree, Humboldt nurseries know what will grow best where. If you want to buy a book for your seven-year old niece who’s into dinosaurs, talk to your local bookseller.
Your purchases are more meaningful. Whether it’s a Bigfoot sweatshirt or a jar of Slug Slime from Los Bagels, local products come with a story. Also consider making gifts of experience, like a kayak tour of Humboldt Bay, a visit to the Redwood Sky Walk, or a gift certificate to The Larrupin’ Café. Or make a donation to Food for People in someone’s name.
Your items will be unique. That cozy wool hat knitted by a local craftsperson is much more special than a generic version anyone could find at Target. And your uncle who has everything would still love a bottle of locally distilled Redwood Rye or Jewell Gin.
It reduces your carbon footprint. Your locally purchased items are less likely to have been shipped from far away. Humboldt-based businesses also make far more local purchases for their own needs. And these stores are usually situated in walkable city centers instead of the outskirts of town.
Local products are ethically made. Mail order or big box products may have been manufactured in an overseas sweatshop or using questionable environmental practices. But Humboldt-made generally means responsibly sourced.
Humboldt stores support Humboldt nonprofits. Whether it’s donating raffle items, paying for sports team uniforms or making grants, local businesses are much more generous in supporting local charities than their big box counterparts.
It feels good to do good. It may cost a few bucks more, but it means a lot to know your money is being spent where it will really count.
Due to Covid, many of our arts and crafts fairs are canceled this season. But you can still find locally made products at the Made in Humboldt fair at Pierson’s and at independent retailers, grocery stores and art galleries. Buy local and enjoy happy Humboldt holidays!
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Annette Makino is an Arcata-based artist who runs Makino Studios, offering cards, prints and calendars of her art. She confesses that her new book, Water and Stone: Ten Years of Art and Haiku, is available on Amazon, as well as makinostudios.com and in local stores.