It’s the 1st of December today and, like most of us, you’ve probably started thinking about holiday shopping.
It’s Buy Local week here in Bellingham this week, so we thought we’d take a moment to remind you how important we think it is for you to BUY LOCAL this holiday season! On Sustainable Connection’s website you can find a list of the Top 10 Reasons to Buy Local, but here are a few of our favorites: less of an environmental impact, investing in your own community and helping to support our local economy!
* Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses, 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.
* Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
* Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.
* Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
So, now that you know WHY to shop locally, why not do it? This Friday, December 3rd, the monthly Art Walk will be taking place all over Downtown Bellingham and it’s a great chance to tackle some of your holiday shopping. Stop by Boundary Bay Brewery to enjoy a pint or two and see a sample of the incredible local talent available at the Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts. The festival gathers together work from over 100 local artists, but this year the festival is out on Meridian (just past the mall) and not everyone wants to drive all the way out there. So, we thought we’d put together a showcase right here in our Downtown brewery to show you the incredible stuff you’ll find at the Holiday Festival of the Arts itself! Trust us, it’s definitely worth the effort!
This is the 31st Annual Holiday Festival of the Arts and you’ll find great gifts from LOCAL artists like paintings, photography, ornaments, candles, fiber art, handmade books, jewelry and so much more! The festival is open from 10am – 6pm every Wednesday through Sunday, until December 24th. They’ll even be open on Monday, Dec. 21st and Tuesday, December 22nd, so you can dash in at the last minute if you’ve left your shopping till then.
We’ve also got our Brewtique here at Boundary Bay open if you’re in the mood for merchandise from your local brewery this holiday season! We have plenty of Holiday Gifts appropriate for anyone in the family: Hoodies, Tees, Brewer Series Tees, Fleece Jackets, Pint Glasses, Growlers, Water Bottles, Onsies, Kids Rootbeer Tees, Disc Golf, Bike Jerseys, Baseball Caps, 22oz bottles of Beer & Gift Cards available in any amount. Our Brewtique Is Open From 11am To 10pm every day with Personal Shopper Hours (meaning staff there JUST to help YOU!) every Wed-Fri 3-9pm and Sat-Sun 12-8pm. We will have a some new items this year like Mens and Womens running shirts and we;ll be bringing back some old favorites like our Oatmeal Stout Hoodies and Coal Brand Brim Beanies. But head’s up…we are not be ordering any more Anniversary Gear so come in to score your limited edition hoodie or growler before they’re all gone! You can also score our goodies online!
Bellinghams Best Beer 