Page 101 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2018

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SHOPPING
SUPPORTS
Shopping locally is undeniably important and is increasing in importance with the onslaught of online shopping. Some Coast retailers express their thoughts on this subject.
Linda Kennan owns California Drawstrings in Bay St. Louis and has been in retail 35 years. “People don’t realize how important it is to
shop locally. Money spent online or out of town doesn’t go back into your local community,”
she said. “I see showrooms closing and fewer representatives at market. I don’t have a positive outlook for retail. My shop here and in New Orleans are in tourist areas and that’s probably why they’ve lasted.”
Rebecca Fairley is more optimistic about the ladies apparel shop she’s owned for 12 years, Panache in Gulfport. “We’re doing well, but I do encourage everyone to shop locally to support our communities,” she said. “Local small businesses pay sales and other taxes and donate to everything, including your children’s high school activities. We also employ people who live here.”
Gina Sabbatini also owns a ladies shop, Gina’s in Ocean Springs. “We’ve been pretty busy, but haven’t seen as much foot traffic as usual; some of that could be due to the heat and people
getting kids ready for school,” she said. “Shopping locally has
such a trickle down effect and keeps the community going. Everyone wants their town to thrive, so they have to contribute by shopping locally. I’m concerned about young people shopping online and not understanding the value of shopping locally.”
August 2018 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 101
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