For perfect gifts this holiday season, let’s rethink any impulse to go online or drive to a nearby city.
Let’s shop local.
As we buy presents, let’s make sure we also bring the gift of a healthy fourth quarter to the people in our communities who own and run independent brick-and-mortar stores.
While small businesses always need your support, it’s even more important now. In the frugality that comes with every election year, purse strings have been tightening for months. Let’s be mindful of independent business owners’ needs to keep covering the expenses of rent, inventory, utilities and wages—and earn enough to live on and stay in business.
Annual research from American Express across the U.S. shows two-thirds of every holiday dollar spent locally funnels back into the local economy. Related studies show that dollars spent at locally owned stores recirculate through the local economy two to four times more than when they’re spent with a chain or online.
So that we can all play a part in supporting independent businesses in Winnebago County this holiday season, I have suggestions to get you started. They’re based on the top-requested gift categories in the National Retail Federation’s 2024 consumer survey.
Gift Cards
Gift cards, the survey says, are the most popular item on holiday wish lists. Most stores in our region offer gift cards. When you’re out and about gathering up gift cards from stores, remember to catch a meal at a nearby locally owned restaurant. From Abreo in downtown Rockford to Hidden Creek Estates in Roscoe, many restaurants offer gift cards.
Hidden Creek Estates
If you want to tuck that gift card into a greeting card, you can find out-of-the-ordinary greeting cards at several stores across the region, including Rooted in Rockford’s North End (where you can also find stylish personal accessories and grab-and-go bouquets), and Pecatonica Hardware (where you can also find local honey and artisan goods). In downtown Rockford, noteworthy cards stock shelves alongside artful treasures from around the world at J.R. Kortman Center for Design, and you can also shop for artful creations, in all price ranges, from around the world; and block-printed tea towels by a nationally known textile artist at SRM Prints Studio + Gift Shop.
J.R. Kortman Center for Design
Clothing
Next on the survey’s list of most-wished-for gifts are clothing and fashion accessories. Here, too, our region has a great range of choices.
For higher-end women’s apparel, Edgebrook shopping village in Rockford is where, along with B Jones, you’ll find Roxy Carmichael, Eurostyle+ and The Fur Company. For higher-end fashion accessories—the most traditional for the holidays being jewelry—we have The Gem Shop in downtown Rockton and six independent jewelry stores in Rockford.
For fashion designed and made in Rockford, head to Cleta’s Stay and Sew, a nonprofit where the owner herself makes one-of-a-kind dresses and separates from fabric she imports from Africa.
Edgebrook
For country-chic women’s apparel, seek out Harper G Mercantile in Durand (where you can also shop for children’s toys and games). For full lines of menswear, check out The Symbols in downtown Rockford. For designer baby and children’s clothing—and highly collectible Jellycat toys from London—Taylor + Max boutique in downtown Rockton is your destination.
If curated secondhand and vintage clothing is what someone on your list is looking for, explore MeMe’s Upscale Consignment Boutique in Roscoe for women’s apparel, Winnie Nutter in Rockford’s North End for women’s and men’s apparel, and Smiley’s Vintage Supply Co. in downtown Rockford for eclectic 1980s and 1990s shirts, jackets, pants and sweaters.
Books
Next on the survey’s list is books. In this category, we’re multiply blessed. While many communities across the nation have lost all their independent bookstores, the Rockford region has six: Maze Books, Toad Hall, Drewelow’s House of Books, The Book Stall, and Katie’s Cup in Rockford; and Inkwell Books and Threads in Rockton.
Maze Books
Also keep in mind Shop Local opportunities as you deck the halls. Start with Williams Tree Farm in Rockton or Ambrose Christmas Store in Loves Park. Then head to Urban Farmgirl and Elora Home Interiors in downtown Rockford.
For exclusive deals and specials in the Rockford Area, visit our Holiday Deals and Specials page on our website.
I hope these suggestions shine a light on what’s possible. If you need pointers in other categories, reach out to us at GoRockford. Call 815.963.8111 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays or email info@gorockford.com.
