Perhaps some of you have had this experience: driving an out-of-town friend or relative around the Fredericksburg Region, (he/she) says:
“Geez, (e.g., North Stafford/ Fredericksburg/ Massaponax, etc.) looks just like (name of his/her exurban community), you’ve got all the big box and specialty stores, and national restuarant chains, that we have!”
It’s great having the big brands in our area: their hours of operation are long, their locations - close to I-95 - certainly are convenient, and the tax revenue they provide local coffers is critical to our communities.
But the good they provide - and there’s lots of it - comes at a price: often small, locally-owned establishments just cannot compete (with the big brands). And some of our unique stores and eateries, challenged by the arrival of nationally-recognized chains - just go out-of-business.
This holiday season, support businesses that provide jobs and tax revenue to our region. But, among them, also remember to support our region’s locally-owned retailers, food markets, restaurants, salons and day-spas, and other establishments. They provide us with something that is unique to our area (local character). And, they add to our sense of place.
Can you imagine Olde Town Fredericksburg without some of the truly unique establishments lining Caroline and William Streets? (I cannot.)
So, here at Fred2Blue, we want you to tell us which locally-owned business establishments - in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford - you especially like, that service the community well, and perhaps offer holiday gift-givers something unique and special. Provide your ideas in the Comments section of this post.
P.S. - Most of the businesses operating in the United States (well in excess of 80 percent) are small businesses. Let us support them whenever and wherever we can!
Filed under: Local Economy
Well, I am a member of DRMI so I have lots of downtown businesses that I love to support!
Jewelry- Jewel Box/Crown Jewelers…family owned business for over 40 years
Little Bit of Everything- Walker Home..Dem owned, truly unique stuff at any price point
Becks Antiques- Dem owned, antiques, furniture and books
Dog Krazy- Don’t forget the pets! You can bring them with for handmade doggie treats
Libertytown- Art from the region sold by the artists, started by Dan Finnegan, potter.
Toys and Trains- Hate shopping for kids at the Mega Lo Mart? Try here for high quality, traditional, and educational toys.
Need lunch to refuel? Stop by the Caroline Street Cafe- everything’s great!
There’s too many great places to list them all. If you need to find the real spirit of the holidays, you won’t find it in a Big Box. Come early on Saturday and stay for the Jaycees Christmas Parade!