Skip to main content

Shop Local

Shop Local: Keep our community strong and vibrant

By Howard B. Owens

Today is Shop Local Saturday. Ironically, it's a national event pushed by a multinational corporation. Be that as it may, our readers know one of the underlying philosophies of The Batavian is that people should strive to shop at local businesses as much as possible.

In this day and age, it would be impossible in just about any community in America to shop in only local shops, but all over America, as in Genesee County, our communities are filled with vital local businesses.

Local businesses are essential to a community's health and prosperity. Social science research shows that communities with strong local business communities reap all kinds of benefits, from higher graduation rates to lower poverty rates and even a lower infant mortality rate.  

Local business owners help tie a community together. They volunteer more, give more and share more. They're part of our civic organizations and donate most to our local charities. Without successful local businesses, we would all be worse off.

There's been a lot of attention paid in this past election cycle to the idea that more of what we buy should be manufactured in the United States. That drive to bring manufacturing back to the United States means nothing if we're not supporting our local businesses. It's not that our local shops stock only American-made products, though that's more likely, it's that they are right in our community helping our community. If you truly want to see a great America, do something more than rally around manufacturing, support your local business owners, the people who live in your community and give to your community.

Here's a list of The Batavian's sponsors, which is a good place to start when shopping local for Christmas and into the New Year. We also encourage your support of the sponsors of the Pin Points bowling column, which runs every other Thursday exclusively on The Batavian.

We thank them for their support of The Batavian and thank you for your support of The Batavian and our community.

Photos: Shopping locally brings holiday cheers to the whole community

By Howard B. Owens

There are numerous locally owned shops in Genesee County that are ready to lift your spirits this holiday season, including our locally owned liquor stores.

Our locally owned businesses give to the community all year long. During the holiday season is a time to give back by keeping your hard-earned dollars in our local community and shopping locally as much as possible for your gift and entertaining needs.

Above, Christine Crocker, owner of YNGodess.

Chris Blossom, West Main Wine and Spirits

Priya Rathod, Mr. Wine and Liquor

Photos: Yes, Virginia, shopping local for gifts is a great idea

By Howard B. Owens

Of course you can find great gifts in locally owned stores, and at prices you can afford.

Above, Rich Mortellaro and Doug Barnard of R&D Outlet Center.

Guy Clark, Cedar Street Sales and Rentals.

Barbara Rumsey and Jeanne Walton, the Artisan Shop @ The YWCA (Barbara is one of the local artisans whose work is available for purchase at the store).

 

Photos: Great gifts can be found at local shops

By Howard B. Owens

Here's your challenge for your next holiday shopping excursion: Stop into at least three locally owned businesses and see what they have to offer.

Local business owners are your family members, friends, neighbors and biggest boosters of our community. When you support them, you're really supporting yourself.

You can also find great gifts, affordable prices and get great service to boot.

Above, Sherry Valvo of Floral Fantasies. Below, Greg Gluck of Alberty's and Kurt Fisher of Fisher Sports.

BTW: I had an interesting conversation with Fisher last night. He pretty much exploded the myth that chains are less expensive than locally owned stores. He said his prices are consistently lower than chain sporting goods stores in the area, especially for coaches looking to outfit teams, but even on licensed products such as Bills and Sabres jerseys.

Photos: Forget Cyber Monday, shop local for the holidays

By Howard B. Owens

As we pointed out Friday, local shop owners are standing by, ready to help you with the perfect holiday gift.

And as we said, when you shop local, more of your hard-earned dollars stay in our local community where they can do the most good.

Above, Jim and Tina Lambert, Lambert's Design Jewelers.

Ross Walker, RW Vapors.

Bill Hume, Foxprowl.

Shopping local for the holidays helps support your community

By Howard B. Owens

When you do your holiday shopping at a locally owned store, not only will you find unique and special gifts, more of your dollars will stay in the local community and do the most good.

Local shop owners are the people who do the most to support your community, from volunteering for local organizations to donating to local charities. Strong communities have strong local business communities, and the more we support our local businesses, the more our local economy will grow.

I stopped in on three local businesses today just to get three pictures of local people in local shops as a reminder to shop locally this holiday season.

Above are Mary Valle and Carrie Lawrence of Valle Jewelers.

John Roche, Adam Miller Toy and Bicycles

Don Brown of Charles Men's Shop

Support local businesses, shop local and help support The Batavian!

By Lisa Ace

Think Local - Buy Local - Be Local

Support community groups: Nonprofit organizations receive an average 250 percent more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

This week's featured businesses:

ALBERTY DRUGS -- Established by Mr. Guy Alberty in 1922, Alberty Drugs has always worked hard to serve our friends and neighbors with excellent, personalized customer service. Paul Gluck built on that tradition when he bought the pharmacy in 1967 and now his son Greg is continuing this philosophy today.  Our pharmacists and staff care about you and are always available to help with your healthcare needs. Alberty Drugs also offers daily prescription delivery service, immunization clinics, home health equipment as well as a full line of greeting cards and gifts. Located in the heart of Batavia, Alberty Drugs is proud to be your hometown pharmacy since 1922. Visit us online: http://www.albertydrugstore.com

EMPIRE TRACTOR -- We have moved to a NEW location at 5072 East Main Street Batavia, NY. Please stop in and see our NEW facility. We have been serving farm and homeowners with parts, service and equipment for over 100 years in Western New York. We are proud to say we make YOUR buying experience a pleasurable one, along with giving you continued support of all your purchases. Empire Tractor has six locations in the WNY area to support all your needs. Visit us online: http://www.empiretractor.com

GOLD RUSH -- Opened on 10/1/2011 to try and help Genesee County residents with other alternatives to sell broken or unwanted jewelry and coins instead of being mistreated or misled by "fly-by-night buying events" at local hotels and typical "pawn shops." We try to make the  experience pleasant and educational. We like to show the consumer the resources on how to find out what the item may be and its worth. We can tell you, like every other store, that we will give you the best deal in town but if you give us a chance we can prove it to you. We also will  guarantee that we will beat any legitimate offer from any store in New York State, not just Genesee County. We are senior friendly, have a private, safe and well lit parking lot. The Gold Rush is now Batavia's local coin shop and sells all numismatic hobby items. Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-8pm & Sunday 12pm-5pm. Special appointments can be made for any hours not list for appraisals.

L&L TRANSMISSION -- L&L Transmissions, Inc., has been family owned and pperated since 1978. They are a AAA Approved, complete automotive repair facility. Transmission and drive line specialists, they also work on transfer cases, differentials, brakes, front- and rear-wheel drives, electric computer diagnostics, automatic and standard, RVs and oversized vehicles, and do complete clutch repair. They give free code scans and estimates. They are currently having a used tire sale with used tires from $5 to $20. Please call 585-343-1735 or check them out on the Web at www.landltransmissions.com

SUZANNE'S SCHOOL OF DANCE --Suzanne`s School of Dance and Tutu Tots  has been in business for 25 years, located at 33 Center St., Batavia. We pride ourselves with professionally teaching dance in a caring family atmosphere, where every child is like our own. We specialize in preschool movement with a program created by Miss Suzanne called Tutu Tots! The teachers also teach ballet, jazz,modern, hip hop and tap. We are truly a cut above the rest! You can register for fall classes by going to our Web site at suzschoolofdance.com or by calling 344-4060. Reference this article for $5 off your registration fee!

Be sure to regularly check the ads on the site to be alerted to special offers from our sponsors. A complete list of our sponsors can be found on the lower left side of this page. Supporting our sponsors helps us continue to bring you the news of Genesee County.

Support local businesses, shop local and help support The Batavian

By Lisa Ace

We've said it before, when you support the local businesses that sponsor The Batavian, you're helping us continue to bring you the news about Genesee County you enjoy.

We're starting a new feature to highlight a few of The Batavian sponsors each week and remind readers of the importance of supporting local businesses.

Think Local - Buy Local - Be Local!

Buy Local -- Support yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned business, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

This week's featured businesses:

VALLE JEWELERS -- has been proudly serving Western New York since 1951. For three generations, the Valle family has been dedicated to offering excellent service. Our goal is to consistently provide our customers with great selection and value. Valle Jewelers offers a tremendous selection of diamond jewelry, unique sterling silver jewelry, hundreds of CHAMILIA beads, and fine gifts. With two full-time bench jewelers, Valle Jewelers offers the security and convenience of ON-SITE repairs. Stop in today to browse our selection or turn some of your GOLD into CASH! Visit us online: http://www.vallejewelersbatavia.com

TURNBULL -- We are locally owned and operated with locations on 50 Franklin St., Batavia, and 59 Genesee St., Avon. We use industry standard flat-rate pricing – there are no hidden fees. Our gas furnace tune-ups and inspections start at only $60. Call us today at 343-2005 or 226-8160 to make an appointment that works with your schedule. Take $5 off the tune-up price when scheduling online with a confirmation from our office. And go on Facebook and “Like Us” today! Visit our page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Turnbull-Heating-Air-Conditioning/320903574654459

CEDAR STREET SALES & RENTALS -- We are proud to be celebrating 19 years of business in 2012. Cedar Street has been locally owned and operated by your friends and neighbors since 1993. Whether it's equipment rental, parts, sales or service, our professional team is ready to help. "We promise a lot ... and give you more." It's not only our slogan but our everyday philosophy and way of doing business. Whether it's online, on the phone, or in person, we are always happy to serve you and will give you our very best every time. Visit us online: http://www.cedarstreetonline.com/

MAX PIES FURNITURE - is a 4th-generation family owned business that has been in the same location on the southside of Batavia since 1905. We offer a full line of furniture, bedding and flooring to make your house a home. We also deliver free of charge and offer flexible financing for qualified buyers. Stop by our showroom at 400 S. Jackson St. and take advantage of our half-price warehouse sale going on now. Check out our Web site at http://www.maxpiesfurniture.com and like us on Facebook.

Be sure to regularly check the ads on the site to be alerted to special offers from our sponsors. A complete list of our sponsors can be found on the lower left side of this page.

Subscribe to Shop Local

Authentically Local