CASSIDY JESSUP: Shopping locally in Manistee County has great impacts

It’s always Small Business season in Manistee County! Don’t miss out on the magic of traditional Christmas shopping – and the small businesses across the county have you covered. 

Not only is there a gift for everyone, but you’re also supporting your friends, neighbors, and community by shopping locally. When they thrive, we all thrive. These businesses provide jobs, attract visitors, and are the heart of commerce in Manistee County. When a business is a part of the Chamber of Commerce, they are investing in the betterment of the community and everyone in it. 

The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce supports all these small businesses, advocating on their behalf and providing assistance as they grow. The Chamber also acts as the Manistee Downtown Development Authority, responsible for providing grant opportunities and successfully opened the ‘Stee Social District in 2020. Shopping locally helps small businesses, which invest in the Chamber, and build up our community.

Looking for the freedom of a gift certificate, without the commitment to one business? Manistee county ca$h is accepted at over 30 locally owned businesses, so purchase yours online today at ManisteeChamber.com. 

Not to mention, shopping locally has so many perks! But how do the businesses themselves feel about it? The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce asked small businesses: why is your small business vital to our community? Here are a few of their responses:

Port City Emporium

“When you shop at Port City Emporium you are literally helping our small family that also lives in downtown Manistee. And, the better we do, the more we can give back,” according to owners, Pat & Anita Shaffer. Everything they sell is exclusively made in our area, by another mom & pop shop, or by a “fair trade artisan lifting themselves out of poverty.”

Bear Lake Ace Hardware/Lumber & Supply, Inc.

“As a hometown, local hardware shop, we continually put money back into the community,” said store representative Sean Adams. “Everyone that is employed here lives in Bear Lake.” Across the county, small businesses provide jobs, supporting community growth and wellbeing. 

Bear Lake Ace Hardware is “the only carrier of Benjamin Moore [premium and commercial paints] in Manistee County.” Get your HGTV obsessed friend a gift of a new color! 

Northern Spice Company

“This is the avenue through which our business can support other small businesses locally and throughout Michigan,” said owner and operator, Deanna Marsh. “Our business also utilizes local businesses for a variety of supplies and advertising. Small business is important to every community – supporting them is the WIN!”

“Northern Spice Company offers premium fresh spices/spice blends mixed in our facility

daily. We also pride ourselves on offering quality local and Michigan-made products.”

The OutPost

“The Outpost of Manistee has been outfitting the community since 1999,” according to owner Carrie Mosher, and will continue to do so with your support. “Find the perfect outfit, outerwear, or accessory from some of the leading outdoor brands like Patagonia, Tribal, Kuhl, and Smartwool. We look forward to serving you a warm cup of coffee or tea and helping you find gifts for your loved ones this holiday season!”

Revive and Refresh Aesthetics

“It is important as a community that we support local businesses to keep Manistee financially stable and thriving. Money spent in Manistee stays in Manistee,” said owner Jalie Mowry Lipa. “We are supporting our neighbors, our friends, and our community when you shop locally. It is the small-town touch of walking in, knowing your name, and making you feel comfortable when you shop local Manistee.”

“Revive and Refresh offers laser hair reduction, photo facials, laser treatments, tattoo removal, PDO threads, and vitamin infusions, along with many other great services.” 

So how can we support our small businesses today and throughout the season? It can be as simple as writing a review on your favorite local eatery or sharing recommendations with friends on social media. 

For personable, hands-on, and memorable customer service, shop small this season! Most places will go out of their way to find what you’re looking for, and returns are as simple as coming back into the store. Plus the instant gratification of going home with a new purchase, often already wrapped, compliments of your local businesses!

This Christmas, and all year round, let’s shop in Manistee County. We have everything locally to make your holiday season memorable!

Cassidy Jessup is the marketing and communications specialist for the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 231-723-2575 or cassidy@manisteechamber.com.