Shopping local this holiday season

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The time of year to put your holiday shopping list together is fast approaching. Downtown Sioux Falls business owners hope shoppers will find some of those items at local stores.

“More than ever, as our shopping habits have moved online, we need to make it a priority to support the families and the people setting up shop, taking the risk, displaying their passions and opening their doors,” Anne Haber with Pendar Properties said.

Downtown leaders say local sales tax revenue has been lighter than expected this year, meaning this November and December are critical to retailers.

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“Retail is tough. I’m discovering it right now,” Haber said. “Instead of stopping in and just looking, you should really try to buy something because that’s what makes a difference to a retailer is buying it,” Haber said.

While shoppers visit downtown this holiday season, they can look forward to an array of other events, too including Small Business Saturday and theme nights every Thursday in December.

“It is just amazing to me where we’ve gone from 15 years. When I look at when the store opened and what our downtown looked like, then and now, to have all people from all over the world shopping in our downtown,” DTSF business owner Nancy Savage said.

“When you can shop small, shop local. Support your local economy, and if you can do it downtown, do it downtown,” Mayor Paul TenHaken said.

A full list of DTSF events can be found here.