As we gear up for the holiday season, there's a buzz of excitement in the air. This time of year is about connection, community, and giving back—and what better way to show your Yukon pride than by supporting our local businesses?
Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to shop within our city limits, and I encourage you to carry this habit forward all year long.
A Dollar Spent in Yukon Stays in Yukon
When you spend your money locally, you're doing more than making a purchase—you're making an investment in our community. A twenty spent at Knight's Nook on a favorite children's book on Main Street, for instance, stays here. A purchase of hand-crafted bath bombs for a special gift from Bath Sorbet on Garth Brooks helps the owners, supports their employees, and often gets re-spent at other local businesses. This ripple effect strengthens our economy and keeps Yukon vibrant.
Local businesses also create a unique flavor for our city. They are run by our friends and neighbors—people who care deeply about this community and work hard to make it a great place to live. Shopping local is a way to thank them for their commitment.
Sales Tax: The Lifeblood of Our City Services
Here in Yukon, sales tax funds nearly all the essential services we rely on. From maintaining streets and traffic signals to treating our water and waste, every dollar of local spending contributes to these services. Sales tax revenue also supports our library, parks, recreation programs, and events that make Yukon a special place to call home.
Unlike other parts of the country, we don't rely on property taxes for municipal operating expenses. That's why every dollar spent in Yukon makes a difference. When you choose local businesses, you're not just buying a product—you're funding the services and amenities that enhance our quality of life. Look at the bottom of your receipt next time and see that line for sales tax knowing that you just reinvested in our city - a new street panel, a fixed pipe, essential services at our Dale Robertson Center for seniors or a fun event like Festival of the Child.
How to Shop Local?
Shopping local is easy and rewarding, but it does take a little intention. Here are a few tips:
Get Out and Explore
Shopping local means leaving the online cart behind and hitting the streets. Stroll through downtown Yukon, pop into the shops along Garth Brooks Boulevard, ride a bike down Vandament to businesses across town, and meet the hardworking business owners who bring unique goods and services across our whole city.
Plan Ahead
Think about your shopping needs ahead of time. Before you head out of town, consider how you can fulfill those needs locally. My family and I make it a point to stock up at Yukon's grocery stores before hitting the road. Whether it's my wife gathering ingredients for her famous Thanksgiving stuffing or me grabbing a snack and gas at 7-11 on Vandament and Holly, we make it a priority to support our local businesses. I love that we added a Harbor Freight right here - no need to leave city limits!
Let's Make This a Year-Round Habit
While Small Business Saturday is a great day to focus on shopping local, the impact is even greater when it becomes part of our daily lives. By prioritizing Yukon businesses, we ensure that our city continues to thrive for generations to come.
So, I encourage you to shop local, not just this Saturday but throughout the year. Let's show our support for the hardworking men and women who keep Yukon strong. I hope to see you out and about in Yukon this weekend!