The Zone is located at 305 S. Main St.

TIFTON — As the hunt for the perfect gift begins, shoppers might want to think about shopping local for the holidays.

Shopping at local small businesses and supporting local artists not only makes shopping easy and fun, but has far-reaching positive repercussions for the community.

Niki Dasher runs the Little Hippie Chick, which she co-owns with her father-in-law.

She calls it a “hippie novelty store.”

“We’re real big in the handmade items and keeping things local,” she said. “There are a couple of local artists that contribute to our jewelry and we make about half of everything in the store.”

That includes jewelry, tie-dyed shirts, soaps and accessories. They also strive to support local artists and artisans by selling their items in store.

“In the age of the internet it’s so easy to lose focus on the people around you,” she said. “We started out on Etsy 10 years ago so we understand there is an online need. But to be able to bring it to a local brick and mortar, we felt like since we were asking people to support us locally, so we need to spill that over.”

Dasher said that local dollars spent in her store remain local.

“We’re a family business,” she said. “My father-in-law and I run it together. My husband is self-employed and we have five children, two in college, two in high school and one in middle school. They’re involved in everything under the sun it seems. So when you’re shopping local you’re supporting all of that. You’re supporting that show choir payment this month or that Christmas present. It all comes from the economy we get from the store.”

Kevin Clady, who, along with his wife Kim, owns and operates The Zone, agrees.

“Somebody spends $20 here with us,” he said. “A certain portion of that may go down to 41 and Main, which will provide lunch. The tip given to the server may go down to Southern Pickers and that tip may buy a present. So really, we’re all interrelated locally and the money isn’t just withdrawn to a bank account for a corporation many states away and they don’t even say a thank you.”

He added that one dollar spent locally can end up generating $5 to $10 in local revenue.

Clady said that shopping local is good for the community, but also greatly benefits shoppers.

He said that making sure you’re competitive with online retailers is important, but Clady said that buying in-store has advantages.

“Instead of just seeing a picture online, you can come in, check the condition, especially for a collectible,” he said. “You can see the look on the kid’s face. The kid doesn’t have to tell you they want something. You know what they’re interested in, they can hold it.”

Clady said that local retailers can tailor their selection to what customers are interested in, unlike big box stores. Local retailers can also offer unique gift items.

“Thirty-seven people aren’t going to have the same thing,” he said. “You can’t go tell Walmart what you would like to see on the shelves.”

He said that shopping local allows shoppers to pick up something last minute and to ensure that it is in good condition before purchasing, unlike something that is damaged while being shipped.

“They know what they’re getting, they know it’s going to be a hit and they’re good to go,” he said. “It eliminates a lot of stress during the holidays especially for locals who shop here or even out of town folks who may not be able to find something like it back home.”

Jack Stone, owner of Western Auto, said that shopping local is vital to keeping downtowns thriving, adding that everyone feels the effects of businesses closing.

“You got stores closing, and what’s the first thing that happens? Taxes go up,” he said. “The cost of running the county stays the same, so taxes go up on everybody.”

He said that he isn’t “knocking shopping online,” because there are things that aren’t available locally. However, he says that shopping locally means you know what you’re getting.

“Say you have a Whirlpool washing machine and you buy a part for it online,” he said. “That part might be a Whirlpool part, or it might be a generic. It might work or it might not.”

Buying from a local store allows you to know what you’re getting because you can hold it in your hand.

“Like women’s shoes,” he said. “Women don’t like to buy shoes online, they like to put it on, make sure it fits.”