Riva Sharples | Editor
You don’t have to travel far this holiday season to score great gifts for the holidays. From handmade goodies and unique art to tools and home décor, area residents can find something for everyone in Alcester, Beresford, or Hudson.
A new movement created by Boutique Hub, called Pink Friday, is meant to emphasize and encourage local shopping. The day, which happens tomorrow, Nov. 21, joins Small Business Saturday (happening Nov. 29) to urge consumers to shop small and local shops instead of, or in addition to, the big box stores, which are the typical focus of Black Friday shopping.
“More than just a shopping day, Pink Friday is about celebrating the heart of local economies,” says Jill Anderson, a spokesperson for Boutique Hub. “It’s a chance for small business owners to showcase their stories, connect with their communities, and remind shoppers why supporting small matters.”
No matter when you do it – tomorrow, or on Small Business Saturday, or anytime of the year, shopping local matters.
Shopping local isn’t just about convenience – it’s good for the community. A majority of the money spent locally – up to 68%, according to government statistics — stays local, helping friends and neighbors stay in business while boosting the economy.
“When we shop local, we help our neighbors,” says Alcester Finance Officer Dave Hodgson. “Shopping locally helps keep jobs in town. The money spent here directly affects others in the community. People don’t like to think about it, but some of the sales tax revenue that is generated in town comes back to the town as funding, so when people shop local, they are helping the town as well.”
This holiday season, as you head out to find those special gifts for loved ones, friends, and family, won’t you consider keeping it local?
Alcester Treasures
There are many treasures to be found in Alcester when it comes to gift giving. The town may be small, but boosts some interesting shops and offerings, from lawn sculptures and statues at Christensen Statues to hair care products at several salons in town.
Beauty salons and massage spas, as well as Alcester Chiropractic, offer gift certificates. If you are shopping for the hard-to-please individual, why not try the gift of an experience or treatment for them? Area residents can get manicures and pedicures, hair treatments and cuts, and massages, alongside a variety of other services, at the five salons or spas in Alcester.
For that crafty or creative individual on your list, check out Sew Storm Quilt Shop, which sells fabric and notions galore. Or, visit Daily Dose, where you will find a variety of gift ideas, from knick knacks and home décor to clothes, cards, and specialty coffee items.
At Expressions by Shelley, located on the homestead just a few miles outside Alcester, find attractive home décor items, evergreen arrangements, and lots of Christmas decorations to bring the holiday cheer to your home.
If you are a bargain hunter, don’t forget about Cub’s Closet, the thrift store in Alcester, where you can find many treasures at amazing prices. Stretch your dollars this holiday season while finding something that is truly unique at Cub’s Closet.
Of course, don’t forget about CD specials at the bank – who doesn’t like a financial gift that earns them money?
Beresford Treasures
Beresford is a community filled with local businesses, so there are many choices for holiday shoppers. On Pink Friday this year, as well as on Small Business Saturday, several retailers downtown will be offering specials – come check them out!
In December, the Beresford Chamber of Commerce will be running a holiday promotion as well in conjunction with Christmas festivities.
As you start to think about holiday shopping, remember that many Beresford businesses offer gift certificates for their services, and giving the gift of an experience is one way to please that picky person in your life. Consider a gift card to Shear Magnolia, Massage by Sherry, or Kari’s Kuts & Kurls, to name just three of at least six beauty salons in town. Or, give the gift of food and drink – with at least four unique coffeeshops in Beresford, as well as several great eateries, you can shower foodie friends and family with tasty drinks and treats through gift certificates or gift cards to Cream & Sugar, Kava Rose, Rainy Day Coffee Co, Bert’s, and more.
For that crafty person in your life, visit Shanty Stitchers, which carries everything for cross stitching, wool applique, embroidery, handanger, and quilting.
Find unique gifts at No Regrets, Redezign, and Maker’s Market & Living Waters Health Food Store downtown. Shopping at Maker’s Market gives you access to dozens of local craftspeople and many interesting diverse items, including baked goods, photography, homemade crafts, handmade soaps and washes, and more. You are sure to come out with something unique that will surprise and delight.
Find antiques and other one-of-a-kind items at several antique shops in town. For the auto lover, auto accessories galore can be found at several car-related businesses in Beresford.
Get hand-ground coffee at Rainy Day Coffee Co. or buy bakery delights at Wake & Bake Bakery.
All of the banks in Beresford are offering CD specials that make great financial gifts.
When it comes to stocking stuffers or larger ticket items, don’t forget about Beresford’s Lewis Drug, Olson’s Ace Hardware (which carries anything you could think of!), and Sunshine Foods.
Of course, the gift of a golf experience at The Bridges of Beresford is another excellent gift idea.
There are so many neat shopping opportunities in Beresford, they can’t all be listed here – the best thing to do is spend a day exploring these homegrown stores, and you are sure to come home with many great items!
Hudson Offerings
Hudson may be a tiny town, but this community with a heart offers several treasures for shoppers.
First, check out Hudson Meats & Sausage for tasty gifts for friends and family.
Or get a CD special at the bank because everyone loves a financial gift! Buy hair products and gift certificates for various services at several hair salons in town.
Don’t forget about Waddy’s, the Buckaroo, and the Parlor for gift certificates and on and off sales of adult beverages!
Gift of the newspaper
Looking for a local gift that will keep giving every week of the year? Try a subscription to The Republic for your friends or family. A subscription to the local newspaper is an especially good choice for grandparents who live out of town to keep them informed on things happening in Beresford, Alcester, and Hudson, so they never miss a photo or story in the paper about their grandchildren! Subscriptions are going up after the first of the year, so lock in your low rate now of just $37 in state or $40 out of state. To get a new subscription started, mail a check and the address where you want the subscription to go to: Republic newspaper, PO Box 111, Beresford, SD 57004.
This shopping season, why send your money out of the community? Instead, let’s keep it local, benefiting your friends and neighbors, as you do your holiday shopping this year.