Shopping Local

(WOLO) Columbia, S.C. Believe it or not, Christmas is right around the corner and while many of you are already making your lists and checking them twice, locally owned shops are hoping you’ll keep your business here at home. Jackie Howie, President of the Devine street association and 13 year owner of Kicks says bigger isn’t always better. ” I promise there is fantastic shopping here in the city, I would put us up against any department store in the world.” Still consumers are spending billions in those department stores every year while the smaller businesses are often left out in the cold. Howie says besides helping support area business, you are buying an investment into your own community by spending money that will stay right here. More than 70 cents of every dollar spent goes toward taxes, employment, and salaries. Business owners hope a Devine Night Out will help consumers see that the smaller business can offer just as much, if not more than the bigger retailers. On December 8th, from 5 to 7 at night, more than 40 shops along Devine street will open their doors to customers who will have a chance to peruse area stores. Organizers say people can check them out on foot or by a free limo ride and qualify for a 2 thousand dollar shopping spree to start your holiday off in style.