Why shopping local matters this Thanksgiving weekend

With Thanksgiving weekend kicking off one of the biggest shopping periods of the year, new economic data underscores the outsized impact of choosing local businesses.

For every $100 spent at a locally owned shop in Arizona, about $43 stays in the community, compared to just $13 when shoppers opt for big-box or national retailers. The difference supports neighborhood jobs, local artisans and Arizona-based services that rely heavily on holiday revenue.

Local First Arizona says even small decisions, like choosing a local bookstore, boutique or café, help keep money circulating in the state’s economy at a critical time.

Local First Arizona joined “Arizona Horizon” to highlight this year’s shopping trends and why supporting local businesses matters more than ever.