Three weeks ago, I decided to jump-start my holiday shopping. As a Felton resident, my grocery shopping, banking, auto repair, self-care and gift shopping is local. And on Sunday night a tradition, a chicken burrito for my husband and my vegetarian plate at Taqueria Vallarta. You guessed it, in downtown Felton.
These businesses and more are within a two-mile radius of each other. I love shopping locally. Having grown up in L.A., when I heard the slogan, “Think Local First,” it made good sense and less driving. Consider our gasoline prices, another benefit to shopping locally.
Keeping our shopping local not only keeps our money and taxes in our Valley, it keeps shops open, with less stress, crowds and convenience buying. Every type of product and service is available here in the Valley. You can even park your car at one end of the downtown Felton strip and walk to all 20-plus shops on this Hwy 9 section. You can shop-shop-shop and walk-up those 10k steps on your fit bit.
While shopping I learned over 90% of downtown association business owners are female. I contacted Christy Schultz, executive director of the Downtown Felton Association (DFA) and Art Director & Managing Editor of Growing Up Santa Cruz.
She enthusiastically shared how these shop owners are committed to working together and beautifying downtown Felton.
“You will see on the strip how the trash cans are decorated,” she said. “These businesses support the association, and they want to offer the community high-quality products and services. Plus, many local artists provide unique and one-of-a-kind treasures in their shops.”
Get your downtown map
As I shopped on the strip, the friendly shop owners greeted me. They were eager to talk with pride about their businesses and their neighboring shop owners. I felt so welcomed, especially when customer service seems absent in the larger department-type stores and online services. Genuine engagement with or without a face mask was refreshing. So, get your downtown map at downtownfelton.com and go shopping!
Upcoming events
8th Annual SCM Holiday Makers Market
- What: Holiday Shopping
- Where: Felton Community Hall
- When: Nov. 27, 10am-4pm
- Details: Free admission. For information, visit bit.ly/3DMeICv.
Small Business Saturday Downtown Felton
- What: Holiday season shopping
- Where: Downtown Felton
- When: Nov. 27, noon-5pm
- Details: The DFA wants to make sure you visit the shops, enjoy the tons of events happening, and shop for the one-of-a-kind treasures. For information, visit bit.ly/30P1Woa.
DFA is also holding a raffle. Purchase your raffle ticket for a chance at fabulous prizes at downtownfelton.com/donate.
The bottom line, the holiday spirit is alive and Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la in downtown Felton.
Janet Janssen is a coach & trainer specializing in helping business owners and their teams increase their sales and customer services skills and helps improve public speaking and presentations. Contact her at ja***@ja**********.com or 831-335-0553.
