Note: This piece is part of the month-long BIN-GO Shop Local effort sponsored by Sioux Falls Simplified and Voyage Federal Credit Union. Learn more here about the bingo game and how you can win prizes for supporting local businesses.

Simplified: It’s been a tough year for many small businesses in the Sioux Falls community – and consumers are starting to see it as restaurants and retailers around town shutter. But shopping small – even for small purchases – can make a big difference in preserving the local business community.

Why it matters

• Many local businesses saw a burst of support during the pandemic, but that’s since waned. Stephanie Wilde, owner of Say Anything Jewelry, said she’s had the slowest November in her 15 years in business.
• Shopping local can sometimes take a little more time than hitting up an online seller, but many local retailers do have online shopping with curbside or in-store pickup options.
• That said, with in-person shopping, there’s more of an experience. You’re actually seeing the things you’re going to purchase before you buy them and having local experts to answer any questions you might have.

“We are making genuine connections on a daily basis and giving our community that distinctive character that draws visitors to our area,” said Nikole Edberg, owner of The Tail That Got Away.

But I don’t like leaving the house. It’s cold.

Valid.

Many local retailers let you shop online and just pop in-store to pick up your items. There are even free, 15-minute parking spaces downtown for those type of quick, in-and-out errands.

Ok, but big box stores have more stuff.

That’s true. But with local stores, what you’re often getting is quality over quantity.

Local shops are also often carrying bespoke items you wouldn’t find anywhere else.

• Take, for example, Serendipity Studio Gallery & Gifts. Owner Jason Pfitzer carries prints and originals from dozens of local emerging artists. Sometimes, these are folks who are just starting out, and

Yeah, but Amazon is cheaper.

Maybe, but you have to consider the unseen costs associated with large, corporate retailers vs. local businesses.

Supporting local businesses pays dividends for the community. For every $100 spent at a local business, about $57 stays in the community – compared to $13 spent at a chain, according to data from the American Independent Business Alliance.

• That’s because people who own and work at local businesses then go and spend their money at other local businesses. It all stays in the community.

Wilde shared the example of a partnership she’s had with Norberg Paints in which they’ve supported her by purchasing gifts over the years, and when she needs paint, she knows exactly where to go.

In another example, buying wall art at Hobby Lobby doesn’t really make a difference at the end of the day for the large retailer, Pfitzer said, but a purchase from a local artist is a big, big deal for that artist.

“It’s highly encouraging to the artist and inspires them to do more,” he added.

Local businesses are also often the ones looked to most by community members who need donations for nonprofits, sponsorships for local sports teams and other community-building activities.

Ok, but if I’m gonna do a good thing, I want a little treat.

Gotchu, fam.

That’s where the BIN-GO Shop Local game comes in. You can turn your holiday shopping into a game with chances to win fun prizes worth up to $250.

I’m in. How do I start?

Pick up a bingo card at any participating business, complete the tasks, and turn it in by Dec. 2.

Here’s a list of participating retailers:

• Alcove
• Matchbox Candle Co.
• The Tail That Got Away
• Juliana’s Boutique
• Full Circle Book Co-Op
• Primp Boutique
• Lauriebelle’s
• Mint + Basil
• Terra Shepherd Boutique & Apothecary
• Say Anything Jewelry
• 605 Running Company
• HiFi Hair
• Rose & Eugene Presents
• Sticks and Steel
• IV Club
• Combine
• Serendipity Studio
• The Spice and Tea Exchange
• MK Threads
• Voyage Federal Credit Union (see all locations here)