Shopping local during the holidays

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - For many small businesses the holidays are a make-or-break time period.

The end of the year can be the most chaotic time of the year, but also wonderful, especially for small businesses.

Dave Charest, Constant Contact Director of Small Business Success, says, "Those dollars that you spend within the local economy are going to recirculate two or four times more than if you spent that money with a non local company for example."

According to constant contact, 60% of small businesses earn up to about half of their revenue during this time.

The holidays are crucial in order to help businesses take a look at what the next year will look like.

It's the perfect time to shop at a local business because it means more than you think.

"Go out into the local community, go into a local shop, find something that offers that unique experience that for that gift or whatever that case may be, you not going to get any place else because it really does make a difference," emphasises Charest.

We spoke to a local business about why it's important to shop local for Christmas.

Serena Koogal, owner of Rebel and Rove, says, "You get a different type of service when you come to a small business, the heart is there. Corporate businesses while they employ a lot of local people, the money doesn’t stay in the community like it does when you shop a local small business."

She adds that being a gift shop, she sees a lot of revenue come in during the holidays.

"We are primarily a gift and clothing store, so we do see that at the holidays, everyone needs a fun little gift for someone at work or a family member or friend," said Koogal.

When you spend money locally, you're not only supporting small businesses, but also the members of our community.