Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance/Chamber recently issued the following announcement.
Show family and friends on your gift list that you truly care by shopping locally at Greater Fort Dodge, Iowa, retailers to find one-of-a-kind items that delight and impress. Shopping local only has upsides. Your community is made stronger when you take a moment to visit your local stores before shopping online.
By shopping local this holiday season, you support your neighbors and build community, while keeping tax revenue and jobs in Greater Fort Dodge. The funds are used to fix streets, provide upkeep, and support day-to-day operations. National statistics show that for every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents stays within your local economy. In addition to helping schools and other organizations through taxes, small businesses are often the ones that support local youth sports teams, charities, and events.
But most importantly, it’s just plain fun! There is something special about shopping at a hometown store where the owners greet you by name, swap stories with you, and ask about the kids. Shopping can be a fulfilling interaction going beyond just “add to cart.” And rest assured, business owners will always evaluate their local and national competitors to offer higher quality products at the prices consumers can afford.
Check out these local merchants and don’t forget to pick up those gift cards!
Fashion Forward!
Your first stop for stylish footwear with a side of tailored customer service is Brown's Shoe Fit Co. In fact, customer service is their specialty. Greeting you at the door, their knowledgeable staff is specially trained to assist you in finding the perfect shoe. They are trained to fit you, and even lace up your shoes for you. They carry the best selection of shoes, boots, and sandals in the area. They also stock a wide variety of work boots for men and women in safety toe, non-safety toe, and composite toe styles, and work with many local companies by accepting vouchers.
Fort Dodge is a great place to find unique boutique clothing. You’re sure to find something you’ll love at Rush Hour Clothing Co. They specialize in trendy women's clothing and accessories with weekly new arrivals. Likewise, you’ll find fashion-forward women’s clothes, shoes, and accessories at Katy Lynn Boutique. Join their VIP Facebook Group to know the minute fresh arrivals hit their racks. Take the time to stroll into C&M Apparel to see what’s new there. They are a new boutique offering women's clothing including plus size, men's workwear, and accessories.
Home Decor and More!
Mary Kay's Gifts & Home Decor - Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio not only offers a wide variety of unique gift items, home decor, and accessories but delivers them with interior design expertise. Mary Kay has a degree in Interior Design and offers consultation for what items will work best for you and how to arrange each item once you get it home. Mary Kay's Gifts & Home Decor has everything from candles, diffusers, baptism, confirmation, bereavement, Iowa/ISU, wall decor, tabletop decor, furniture, and so much more including Merle Norman cosmetics!
Thyme to Shop is the retail store of the Fort Dodge staple, Tea Thyme, an upscale, yet friendly dining experience featuring delicious lunches and afternoon teas. Thyme to Shop carries a full line of tea products, gourmet coffee and candy, and decor.
Uniquely Iowa!
The Iowa Outdoors Hardware and Rental Store is a unique retail store that provides everything you need for work or play! They have years of experience in the outdoor media industry as well as an extensive background in hunting, fishing, and trapping the creeks and fields of Iowa. They have successfully used this expertise to bring outdoorsmen everything they want and need! Hardware Hank rental and retail power equipment has been a part of the business since 2016, assuring you can delight that person on your list who always has a project going.
Community Orchard, along the beautiful Des Moines River Valley, grows 5,000 trees that produce 15 varieties of fresh-from-the-tree picked apples. While you can find their pre-picked apples and delicious bakery items for sale in their market, that is only part of the story. You will find one-of-a-kind home decor and gifts in their Apple Orchard Home. They feature gift boxes as well as gift cards that are sure to please with a delicious taste of Iowa.
Support your community by shopping locally! For information that can help your business succeed, contact the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance at 515-955-550 or info@greaterfortdodge.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube!
Original source can be found here.
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