Green shopping is Local shopping

As we turn our attention to holiday shopping (one for me, one for you in my world) let's consider the benefits of shopping local. Of course we save on energy and we support the businesses in our own community. Whether you shop a large or small company your local community will benefit from taxes, but the best local shopping supports your local small businesses. Many small shops will offer a unique selection and will help you find the perfect gift for those on your list. I bet many will offer other personalized services too - professional gift. Wrap, shipping arranged while you wait, gift certificates, etc. The big boys often offer these too, but not with the level of attention that small businesses do.

Remember - It's Black Friday because that is when many retailers start to go into the Black. Your purchases can help a small business have a profitable year. Good for you. Good for your local economy. Good for the environment.

Saturday, November 27,2010 is Small Business Saturday. Get out of your turkey coma and feel good about your shopping investment all at once.

--till next week Restore, Refresh, Recycle & Renew

A day late but not a $ short

A local thrift shop in my area is ensuring that plenty of clothing is available for $5 or less. Goodwill Outlet at 22nd Street and Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia states: "All of our clothes, regardless of tages, are five dollars or less," according to a Savings with 6abc story posted on 8/18/2010.

Selected brands include Guess, American Eagle, Lucky, Halston, Kasper, Wet Seal and Limited Too. At the time of posting there was even an Alfred Angelo wedding dress tagged for $595 going for $5. There are 2 Goodwill Outlets in the Philadelphia area - 22nd & Passyunk and Atlantic City. Outlet stores have excess merchandise from other stores on offer for a last chance grab. Items tagged over $9.99 are sold for $5. Items tagged under $9.99 are offered for half price.

Outlet shopping is not for the faint of heart. Go with plenty of time to sift through the merchandise for the best finds. Merchandise is not sorted by category and size. The ambiance is lacking but view your trip as a treasure hunt and you are bound to get a steal or two. 

Goodwill Outlets are located at 22nd & Passyunk in Philadelphia, 215-755-1320 open Mon. - Sat. 9am - 7pm and in Atlantic City at 3711 Ventnor Ave. 609-348-8401. Open Mon. - Sat 10am - 8pm and Sun. noon- 6pm.

Reuse to the max!

--till next week Restore, Refresh, Recylce & Renew