With holiday shopping budgets expected to rise by 30% this year, according to Forbes, Crookston’s small businesses have much to gain—or lose. According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, Crookston’s retail sector generates over $20 million annually in taxable sales, with an additional $5 million in food and beverage sales. During the critical holiday shopping season, which accounts for 20% to 40% of yearly sales, this could translate to $5 million to $10 million in economic activity for the local economy.
A Legacy of Local Loyalty
“My customers are true and faithful,” said Lois Widman, owner of Widman’s Candy Shop. Open since 1911, Widman’s has long been a Crookston staple, drawing generations of shoppers. “The Crookston community has always supported us,” Widman added, reflecting on the enduring importance of local customer loyalty.
Many small businesses count on the holiday season to boost their bottom line, but the shopping landscape has changed dramatically since the shop’s early days.
The Challenge of Online Shopping
According to Capital One, 57% of holiday shoppers plan to shop online this year, accounting for 30% of all retail sales. For Crookston, that could mean $3 million of potential holiday revenue leaving the local economy. Emarketer, a market research company, forecasts that Amazon alone will control 42% of holiday sales this year. Encourage people to shop local is more important than ever.
Carol Simmons, owner of Real Good Bath and Body, highlighted the collaborative nature of Crookston’s small business scene. “People will come in with their Widman’s chocolate bags and add Real Good products like soaps and bath bombs to their bag,” she said. Simmons credits the community’s support for her shop’s success. “I’m so thankful for their support, and I’m honored to be a part of that giving tradition and to be part of Crookston,” she added.
The Economic Case for Shopping Local
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 67 cents of every dollar spent at a local business stays in the community, helping fund public services and reinvesting in the local economy. This creates a ripple effect that supports jobs, infrastructure, and community programs.
For Crookston, every dollar spent locally this holiday season is an investment in its businesses and residents. As Simmons noted, local shoppers aren’t just buying products—they’re supporting a shared tradition of generosity and community connection. Widman’s and Real Good Bath and Body are just two examples of how shopping local enriches the town and preserves its unique character.
This holiday season, Crookston residents have the power to make a difference when they shop locally. The Crookston Chamber, which has been in a state of flux since 2022, has long been a champion of organizing local businesses and giving customers reason to shop local. This year the Chamber is hosting “Winter Wonderland,” on December 5, 2024. Organized with multiple local business, and the lighting of the Christmas tree at 6:45pm.
If you’re one of the many shoppers who plan to spend more this year, shopping local can make all the difference.
