Opinion: Why buying local matters in Humboldt County during the holiday season

As the holiday season draws near in Humboldt County, we begin making lists of gifts, planning festive meals and decorating for winter gatherings with our families and friends. This time of year is ideal for reflecting on how our purchasing choices can strengthen our community. Choosing to buy locally during the holidays is a powerful way to support Humboldt’s small businesses, artisans and family-owned farms. Not only does it cultivate a more connected community, but it also brings significant economic benefits.

Meredith Matthews, executive director of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce notes the importance and benefits of shopping locally.

“The people that own the stores are your neighbor and they rely on the community to shop locally. Behind everything in the store, there is a story and when you keep the money in the community it helps everybody in the community, creates a more robust environment and more money goes into the general fund for the city to use for programs,” Matthews said.

One of the strongest benefits for supporting Humboldt’s local businesses, especially during the holidays, is the economic boost. Every time we spend a dollar at a local shop, a greater portion of that dollar stays within our area compared to when it’s spent at a big-box chain. When we buy a gift from a local artist in Arcata, that artist might then spend their earnings at a nearby market in Eureka or Fortuna, further supporting other small businesses keeping them all connected. 

La Ciendita is a space where products are sold by different Humboldt artists who deliver their products on consignment and who do not have their own space to promote their products.

“Here we support local artists, not only support our family, but also support different families who are creating art,” said Octavio Acosta, co-owner of La Ciendita. 

It is important for this reason to support artists by buying their products locally, so that they can continue to create. 

Additionally, local businesses are more likely to source their products and services from within Humboldt County. A café might get its coffee beans from a local roaster, or a boutique might stock handmade items from local crafters, creating a cycle of economic support that goes beyond the shop you’re purchasing from. 

Many business owners from Humboldt County share the same interest in helping other businesses. 

“The most important thing is keeping your money in local circulation, we shop locally, we go to the farmers market, we like to support local restaurants and small businesses, for us the important thing is to keep the local economy strong,” said Jeff Ensworth from Humboldt House Plant.

Local businesses are also a crucial source of employment in Humboldt County. By choosing to shop locally during the holiday season, we help create job opportunities. Let’s keep in mind that during the holidays, many of these businesses rely on an influx of customers to stay afloat and potentially hire additional seasonal workers to handle increased demand.

“Something special about what we offer is just the community asset, being able to educate and teach and actually care and listen, and we like to build real connection with our customers and people,” said Shelise Ensworth from Humboldt House Plant. 

Humboldt’s local shops, and family-owned restaurants become places to meet, connect and celebrate the season. Shopping at local businesses isn’t just about the purchase itself, it’s also about building a community that cares for one another and creating connections that make Humboldt County stronger and more resilient. 

Let’s buy local for Christmas!