WOODFORD COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) – Christmas is just days away and last-minute shoppers are looking for money-saving deals. Luckily, local stores say they have exactly what they need. Meanwhile, stores across Woodford County are spreading holiday cheer.
With Christmas less than a week away, area businesses are trying to help last-minute shoppers find the perfect gift. Small businesses are offering discounts ahead of the holidays while giving people an alternative to online shopping.
Reagan Berry, owner of My Darling and Company, explains the urgency of shopping local: “When it’s really close to Christmas, if you order online, you probably won’t receive your order.
“It’s also a way for small businesses in Versailles to support each other. The stores sell locally sourced items only found here, like artwork and custom bourbon toppers , creating unique gifts Many stores say this time of year is essential for their survival,” Berry said. “We are all in the final stretch. This is a crucial moment.”
According to the Holiday Shopping Report, 61% of small businesses say holiday sales are important to their success. “
The holiday season is the most important time of year for small businesses. These are the three months that really support our activities throughout the year,” she said.
Berry has lived in Woodford County for several years. She has seen first-hand how shopping locally can impact a community as the city grows.
“It really changes the whole community. Downtown Versailles, five years ago, had maybe two stores. Today we’re full of stores. The only reason this is possible is because people come to shop here without people who do so, these beautiful city centers don’t exist.”
If you’re making last-minute purchases, a QuickBooks survey indicates that about 90% of small businesses are confident they can handle the surge in demand.