As the holidays are rapidly approaching, one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself and the community is shop locally. Nyack is known for its local shops and attractions. Local shops add to the charm and appeal of our village.
I interviewed shop owner Laura Graham to get a closer look at this topic. Graham is one of three women who owns Archive Home on Broadway. She curates all of the clothing at Archive, which is all second hand, making it even more sustainable for the environment. Another woman sells home goods, and the other makes and sells handmade jewelry, some of it being repurposed from other jewelry. “Nyack’s a town that really supports it’s merchants. People really do care,” says Graham. Without a thriving town that comes from the support of the people, there is nothing attractive about any community. “I think shopping locally is an essential thing to do because small businesses really are the life of any community.”
This is especially true due to the pandemic; local businesses have struggled more than ever. Nyack and other towns are “definitely not good yet...way better, but not good yet,” Graham shares. Recently, store owners created a coalition called Nyack Merchants United. They realized they “are not going to get through this alone.” Through this, they supported and helped each other's businesses thrive and make it through the hard year.
The experience of shopping locally is tremendously different from large chain stores. Local businesses are always there for you, unlike large chain stores. “Reach out to a business…..everyone wants to accommodate you,” says Graham. The personalization and involvement of local shop’s stands out and is something you can’t get anywhere else.
Graham also recommends taking a look at “visitnyack.org” to stay updated on local events.
So, for your holiday shopping this year, and years to come, make sure to shop local and support small communities and businesses. It really does matter!