Shopping locally this holiday season and beyond: why and where?

by Flora Bescansa Luers

 

The benefits of shopping locally are economic, environmental and personal.  For every $100 spent at a local store, $52 will stay in the community versus $14 for a purchase made at a national chain (Institute for Local Self-Reliance). Small businesses employ local workers as well as contribute to the community via taxes. Shopping locally also minimizes carbon emissions from shipping. Finally, you get the personalized experience of interacting and bonding with someone from your community.

 

For those in Nebraska and the Omaha area, here is a compiled list of small businesses to shop from this holiday season that can fit into everyone’s wishlist:

 

The Greenhouse Omaha 

Website: https://www.thegreenhouseomaha.com/

Instagram | Facebook | 1234 S 13 St. Suite 201 Omaha, Nebraska

A business located in the Old Market with a focus on plants, natural elements, and plant care. They offer plant installations and maintenance, wedding+event floral, workshops, and pop up events.

 

Sheeleytown Market 

Website: https://www.sheelytownmarket.com/

Instagram | Facebook | 3522 Center St, Omaha, NE 68105

“A place where people and plants can thrive.” Located in the historic Sheeleytown Neighborhood, the Sheeleytown Market is a place where the founder Amelia will help you find a houseplant tailored to your needs and abilities. In addition, they host local vendors such as Spearmint Vintage and District 2 Floral Studio. They also host events. 

 

Shop Five Nine 

Website: https://shopfivenine.com/

Instagram | Facebook | 6105 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104

5/9 offers quality goods such as  journals, cards, quality pens, pins, and more!. They offer subscriptions on curated goods, greeting cards, washi tape, and wrapping paper. Located in Benson.. Say hello to the shop dog Cricket while you’re in!  

 

Dusk Goods and Gifts

Website: https://www.duskgoodsandgifts.com/

Instagram | Facebook | 1234 S 13th St Suite 202, Omaha, NE

Located in Little Bohemia Omaha, Dusk Goods and Gifts makes it a priority to source from local artisans and people of color. You can find baby & kids items, beauty & wellness, kitchen, home goods, and gift packages. 

 

The Chute 

Website: https://thechuteonline.com/

Instagram | Facebook | 1234 S. 13th St. Omaha, Nebraska 68108

 

The Chute describes themselves as “a curated marketplace for small+unique designers that are creating ethically and sustainably.” With categories such as apparel, accessories, home goods and body care, you’re sure to find something you like. Located in Little Bohemia amongst many other small businesses. 

 

Elysian Studios 

Website: https://www.handcraftedelysian.com/

Instagram | 4281 South 144th St. Studio 27, Omaha, NE

Elysian Studio creates handcrafted clay home goods like trays and trinket dishes, cups, vases, sculptural pieces and more! These pieces are sealed and water resistant which makes them great essentials in your bathroom or kitchen. Elysian can be found at many local businesses found on their website. They offer zodiac coasters as well.

Fontanelle Supply Co. 

Website: www.fontenellesupplyco.com

Instagram | Facebook | 1414 S 13th St, Omaha, NE 68108

Fontanelle Supply Co. is a full-service menswear and handmade leather goods shop with a location close to downtown Omaha as well as a location in Des Moines' Historic East Village. Their products are high-quality, sustainably sourced and manufactured in the United States. Perfect for the men in your life or those who enjoy masculine clothing. 

 

The Bookworm 

Website: https://www.bookwormomaha.com/

Instagram | Facebook | 2501 So. 90th Street, Ste. 111, Omaha, NE

The bookworm describes themselves as “An independent family-owned bookstore featuring knowledgeable service, and fantastic books.” Featuring signed copies of Omaha’s own Rainbow Rowell’s works in time for the holidays!

 

Jackson Street Booksellers 

Website: https://www.abebooks.com/jackson-street-booksellers-omaha-ne-u.s.a/62281/sf

Instagram | Facebook | 1119 Jackson St, Omaha, NE

Located in the Old Market, Jackson Street Booksellers has been offering used, rare, and out of print books since 1993. While they offer books of all kinds, they have a focus on the subjects of art, literature, architecture, design, history, science, and philosophy.

 

The Imaginarium Super Store 

Website: https://www.imaginariumvintage.com/home

Facebook | 801 S 16th St, Omaha, NE

Get lost in this antique and collectibles store with offerings like records, furniture, toys and vintage clothes. With a winding, expansive sales floor, you’re sure to be immersed in your exploratory shopping experience.

 

Made in Omaha

Website: https://www.madeinomaha.com/

Instagram | Facebook | 8722 Pacific St, Omaha, NE and 1012 Howard St, Omaha, NE

Made in Omaha is a space for makers and artists to display and sell their goods. Seeking to support the local community and economy with gift box options as well as individual items from different local businesses. 

 

Lionheart Canyon Studio

Website: https://lionheartcanyonstudio.com/

Instagram  | Facebook | Omaha, NE

Kate hand-weaves tapestries that are anchored on found pieces of wood, as well as selling smaller items such as ornaments, coasters and bookmarks. Her work is texturally rich with a variety of colors and materials. 

 

Brooks Candle Company

Website: https://brookscandlecompany.com/

Instagram | Facebook | Omaha, NE

Wyatt hand-pours soy wax candles in a variety of containers such as dough bowls and jars. They have a Christmas candle collection perfect for this holiday season! Find one of his candles in a lavender and peppermint scent in the Peeq Winter Holiday Box. 

 

Alesha Beth Originals

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AleshaBethOriginals

Instagram | Facebook | Lincoln, NE

Meet Alesha! She makes handmade polymer clay jewelry, but not like you have ever seen before. Alesha hand paints each piece with beautiful, intricate designs. If you are not a jewelry lover you can also find joy in her custom hand painted portraits of yourself, pets, or significant others. . 

 

La Botica de Flora

Website: https://www.boticadeflora.com/

Instagram | Facebook | Omaha, NE, 68127

Flora handcrafts vegan, low-waste beauty and wellness products like soaps, candles, lotions, body butters, serums and toners. Perfect for those interested in skincare and body care, or for those who wish to scent their space with unique scents. Find the Rosemary+Cedar+Mandarin Cloud Butter in the Peeq Winter Holiday Box.

 

Our Lavender Co.

Website: https://www.ourlavenderco.com/

Instagram | Facebook | 20380 Rd 4, Big Springs, NE 69122

Did you know we have a lavender farm right here in Big Springs, Nebraska? Our Lavender Co is owned and operated by the most lovely mother daughter trio. Visit the ladies at the farm or a local market and smell the beautiful lavender coming from their infused jam, eye pillows, sugar scrub, and more! You can find the lavender eye pillow in the Peeq Winter Holiday Box.

 

Sources:

Mitchell, Stacy. “Key Studies: Why Independent Matters.” Institute for Local

Self-Reliance, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, 26 Nov. 2022, 

https://ilsr.org/key-studies-why-local-matters/#3.