Holiday Shopping Is Made Here

Let’s go shopping!

The National Retail Federation “defines the holiday season as November 1st through December 31st.” As we enter the second month of the shopping frenzy, it is estimated consumers will spend an average of $875 per person in the 2023 season, a 3 - 4% increase based on 2022’s estimates.

Community Celebrations

This time of the year is one of the best when communities rally and gather, strengthening their bond. Neighbors near and far use this time of the year to reconnect and celebrate the season together.

Conroe is no different, as we joined the Mayor for Christmas on Main Street to start the second leg of the holiday season, and it was a great success! The fun doesn’t stop there! We’re gearing up for two more events, making December 9th in Conroe a day to remember:

Toby Powell Conroe Christmas Celebration, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.  
Lake Conroe Christmas Boat Parade, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Whether attending one of the events or simply strolling through the city, all allow shopping opportunities with Conroe’s local businesses. Local retailers, restaurants, and service providers add an overlooked flare to each purchase.

Why, Shop Local?

American Express started the catchphrase ‘Shop Small’ in 2010 to assist with their Small Business Saturday campaign. From there, ‘Shop Local’ became an additional hashtag/catchphrase. At times, marketing experts will combine the two, ‘Shop Small, Shop Local.’ Whether you’re using one or the other, the premise is the same - support local businesses!

Supporting local businesses benefits the community, the person buying the gift, and the person receiving the gift. When you shop local all year, and specifically during the holiday season, you:

• Reduce environmental footprints, saving on shipping materials and costs
• Encourage future business owners to go after their dreams
• Strengthen the community dollar
• Stabilize the local economy
• Enhance the community’s identity
• Present someone with a unique gift of affection 
• Help employ the unemployed

‘Shop Small, Shop Local,’ is more than a hashtag or catchphrase. It’s a movement with a domino effect of positive action that benefits everyone.

Best Places to Shop Local in Conroe

If you can’t attend one of the upcoming holiday events where local vendors will be selling their goods and services, “Take a stroll along the historic streets of Downtown Conroe! You’ll find a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and nightlife.”

Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., make it a family outing and visit Main Street Market in Downtown Conroe. Farmers markets are one of the best assets to any community and a great resource for local shopping in one location. When you shop at farmers markets, you:

• Increase your variety of local offerings in one shopping experience
• Purchase guaranteed freshness at discounted prices
• Save money over time
• Connect with local farmers and business owners
• Increase community awareness and engagement
• Reduce food waste and packaging effects
• Promote sustainability

Shopping small and shopping local includes restaurants, retailers, service providers, pop-ups, and purchasing gift cards. Visit Conroe’s Event Page to find out more ways and places to shop small and shop local always!