MCEDP

Moore County is full of vibrant downtowns because of its business community. Whether it’s Broad Street in Southern Pines, Main Street in Aberdeen or the village center in Pinehurst, it is our small shops that maintain a vibrant pulse, that attract tourists, that provide a sense of place that is difficult to find elsewhere.

For shoppers who are on the lookout for unique or creative gifts, they are more likely to find those at small shops locally than in the large-scale retailers. The merchandise has been personally curated by the owner, rather than brought by the ocean freighter.

But we are full of small retailers outside the core downtowns as well. Long before large-scale retailers started zeroing in on Moore County, it was a strong band of entrepreneurs who powered our local economy.

Supporting local businesses is a year-round effort, but it becomes even more important this time of year. A good holiday season is the difference between a good year and a bad one for many of these businesses.

Our thriving collection of small retailers — the envy of small-town North Carolina — succeeds only with your patronage. In an age when it’s growing ever easier to tap a link and order something online, it still takes a small effort to visit a local business and buy gifts.

Shopping need not be a chore. Supporting local will put you in the holiday spirit the next four weeks and community spirit the rest of the year.

Check out this list of unique local retailers.

(Excerpt from 11/26/22 Editorial, The Pilot)