YORK COUNTY — York County Economic and Tourism Development is encouraging residents and business owners to shop local and spread cheer this season as part of Hampton Roads Buy Local Month, which runs from Nov. 15 through Dec. 15.
According to York County, each year, Buy Local Month reminds citizens and businesses of the power of local spending. Every dollar spent with a York County business stays closer to home, supporting local jobs, reinvesting in community improvements and organizations, and keeping neighborhoods vibrant, the county explains.
“This time of year is all about connection,” said Kristi Olsen-Hayes, director of Economic and Tourism Development. “When you shop local, you’re not just checking something off a list—you’re helping a neighbor, supporting a dream, and spreading cheer throughout our community. For more than two decades, York County has nurtured a strong buy-local culture, one that both our businesses and our citizens have truly embraced. That deep sense of community pride and local support is what makes York County so special,” she added.
The county’s “Shop Local, Spread Cheer” campaign, part of the larger Keep It In York County campaign, highlights local shops, restaurants, and service providers, while sharing easy ways to keep holiday spending close to home. Businesses are encouraged to participate in York County’s Buy Local initiative by sharing buy local posts and messages and taking advantage of free marketing resources, ideas and grant funds at YesYorkCounty.com.
Celebrate Small Business Saturday — Nov. 29
The county said a key part of Buy Local Month is Small Business Saturday, a national day of support for small businesses held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. York County invites residents to explore their favorite local shops, dine at independent restaurants, and book local services to show appreciation for the entrepreneurs who make our community unique. Sponsor American Express offers free promotional items to help businesses share the sentiment far and wide. Download materials at americanexpress.com/us/merchant/shopsmall/materials.html.
Why Buy Local Matters
The county said studies show that supporting local businesses helps dollars recirculate within the region, strengthening the local economy, creating jobs and fostering a greater sense of community. With the convenience and variety available in York County, it said it’s easy to find everything from one-of-a-kind gifts to family experiences without leaving town.
How to Show Support
To learn more about York County’s Buy Local programs and to watch the Why Buy Local video series, visit KeepItInYorkCounty.com. Citizens can also subscribe to receive the Buy Local Buzz quarterly email at YesYorkCounty.com to find out about new business openings, discounts and freebies, and read special sections about local businesses, such as Meet the Maker, Behind the Scenes and Hometown Tourist.
Residents are also encouraged to enroll in the county’s Citizen Rewards discount program (participating businesses are posted at yorkcounty.gov/272/Citizen-Rewards), attend community events and markets and share their support for York County businesses on social media using the hashtag #KeepItInYorkCounty.
