Local Holiday Shopping has its Rewards!

LA GRANGE, Ill., Nov. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The busy holiday season is here! Small businesses in the Village of La Grange are partnering with the La Grange Business Association (LGBA) on A Hometown Holiday experience that encourages residents and visitors to shop local in November and December (and beyond!). Merchants often depend on holiday spending for a successful year; this year, the National Retail Federation's outlook is optimistic, predicting a 3.7 percent increase in consumer spending in November and December.*

"We're excited to see our local merchants benefiting from increased consumer confidence this year. Shopping at local small businesses really strengthens the local economy," said Village of La Grange president Tom Livingston. "The experience of shopping at a local merchant is so much more enriching than going to a big box store, but it's more than that. Shopping local builds community as our residents get to know store owners. And, money spent at local small businesses flow back into our community in the form of payroll, taxes, jobs, roads, charitable support and so much more."

According to a 2013 American Booksellers Association Indie Impact Study Series Survey of independent, locally-owned business owners conducted by Civic Economics, more than 50 percent of money spent at small, local businesses stays local.

How "Unwrap La Grange for a Hometown Holiday" Works

"Unwrap La Grange for a Hometown Holiday" provides an incentive for people to support local small businesses through the holidays and into the new year. Shoppers are encouraged to spend $300 with retailers in the Village of La Grange. The first 100 individuals to turn in original receipts ($20 minimum per receipt) totaling at least $300 will receive gift certificates valued at $30 to spend at participating LGBA businesses.  Shoppers are encouraged to spend locally between November 28 and December 31, 2015, which are the official start and end dates for this year's program.

Receipts can be turned in at Village Hall or online at www.lgba.com. Gift certificates will be given to shoppers after January 15, 2016, at the Village Hall. Patrons beyond the first 100 entrants that successfully meet the criteria will be entered in a special "Unwrap La Grange for a Hometown Holiday" drawing. Drawing winners will be selected on January 15, 2016, and winners will be notified by mail.

"'Unwrap La Grange for a Hometown Holiday' encourages residents and visitors to get to know local merchants and create relationships that extend beyond the holidays," said Phil Fornaro, president of the LGBA. "Relationships are what the holidays are really about.  They're what our community is all about. You don't build relationships by trekking into the city or fighting crowds in the mall. We want people to develop their holiday traditions in La Grange by shopping and dining at small neighborhood businesses."

That festive atmosphere kicks off on November 28, 2015, with Small Business Saturday, when businesses will have special offerings and treats in their shops and establishments.

The hallmark of "Unwrap La Grange for a Hometown Holiday" happens on December 5, 2015, with FREE activities throughout the day and topped off by Santa's arrival at Village Hall on a fire truck!

Hometown Holiday Events:

3:00 pm   FREE holiday matinee at La Grange Theatre

4:45 pm   All Village Sing with Lyons Township High School

5:00 pm   Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Kiddie Train and Trolley Rides

5-9 pm     Merchants welcome you with festive Open Houses

5:30 pm   Santa arrives to Village Hall by fire truck to light a giant tree

6-8 pm     Visits with Santa at Village Hall

"We love how the holidays draw our community together," said Nicole Leinbach-Reyhle, Small Business Saturday spokesperson. "The Hometown Holiday is a wonderful time for people to see friends, support their local businesses and show their kids what community is all about."

The Unwrap La Grange for a Hometown Holiday Shoppers Reward Program is available in the Village of La Grange from November 28 – December 31, 2015. For a detailed calendar of events, visit http://www.lgba.com.

Last year's program in 2014 for the Village of La Grange showed holiday retail sales setting record growth with individual retailers showing nearly 40% Improvement from 2013.

About The Village of La Grange

The Village of La Grange was incorporated in 1879 and according to the latest Census has 15,608 residents. The Village's business base is made up primarily of smaller businesses that provide friendly, personalized service and quality merchandise. In recent years, many dining establishments have chosen to locate in La Grange creating a distinct niche or "restaurant row" for the Village. The business community is an active participant in enhancing the vibrancy of the downtown area by maintaining attractive storefronts and by sponsoring the various annual community events such as the Pet Parade, the holiday walk and an arts festival. For more information go to http://www.villageoflagrange.com

About La Grange Business Association

The La Grange Business Association is a group of 250 businesses, services and non-profit organizations that strive to energize and enhance the local business climate through events, networking and advocacy. For more information go to http://www.lgba.com.

* https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/national-retail-federation-forecasts-holiday-sales-increase-37

SOURCE La Grange Business Association; The Village of La Grange

Related Links

http://www.villageoflagrange.com