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With high demand and tightened supplies of goods, experts are expecting higher prices and less availability of products at major outlets this year. Shipping delays are forecast in such major categories as toys, luxury goods and consumer electronics. But a trip to local retailers, such as Ralphies Bike Shop, near downtown Las Vegas, can help you complete your holiday shopping without the worry of supply chain issues.
Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 | 2 a.m.
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For Las Vegas residents who want to keep money in the community and support local businesses — or are worried about supply chain issues disrupting their holiday gift-giving plans — there’s an option that promises to ease the stress. Great gifts are available right here in the Las Vegas Valley from an array of local businesses that always deserve support.
This holiday season is an ideal time to shop locally and unlock the huge array of gift options in our valley, such as household supplies, clothing items, artworks, artisan foods and beverages, show tickets, even experiences like kayak excursions or museum tours.
Las Vegas Weekly, the Sun’s sister publication, offered a sampling of options in its latest issue which is sure to generate creative ideas about gifts to give in 2021. The story package included local jewelry stores, outlets for home goods and beauty supplies, shoe and apparel shops, pet stores and much more.
Do you know someone who might like a necklace or bracelet with a local flavor? Try Jewelry at Desert Accents at etsy.com/shop/desertaccents. Maybe there’s a bicycle enthusiast in the family? Visit Ralphies Bike Shop, 1110 E. Bonneville Ave., to see a selection of stylish beach cruisers, lowriders and more. Any pottery fans? The staff at Clay Arts Las Vegas, 1353 Arville St., can help you create your own saucers, cups and bowls.
These are just a few local products spotlighted by the Las Vegas Weekly staff. Many more options are available from Las Vegas Valley retail outlets, entertainment venues, outdoor recreation operations, etc.
Local businesses are a rich source of gifts. While we always recommend patronizing local merchants, amid the ongoing issues with overseas shipping, local businesses with products in stock are an especially attractive option.
With high demand and tightened supplies of goods, experts are expecting higher prices and less availability of products at major outlets this year. Shipping delays are forecast in such major categories as toys, luxury goods and consumer electronics.
Shopping locally will not only yield items that will bring smiles, it’s good for the local economy.
The Federal Reserve reported that 800,000 businesses — about 200,000 more than the pre-pandemic annual average — closed between March 2020 and February 2021. Many of those were small operations. And with smaller businesses still facing uncertainty in the form of overdue credit card bills, deferred rent payments and so forth carried over from the pandemic, having a strong holiday season this year could put them on more solid financial footing.
An additional benefit is that money spent with local businesses directly supports our neighbors, as it keeps funds circulating through the community in the form of wages and taxes. It also promotes the creation of new jobs.
But a simple reason for exploring local gift options is that there are a lot to choose from, and they come in a dazzling array of different forms. Las Vegas may not be much of a winter wonderland weatherwise, but it’s hard to beat in terms of gift opportunities available locally.
