Think local first to bail out the economy
When you’re trying to make ends meet on a limited budget, you might not consider what kind of impact your spending power has.
However, economists say the U.S. economic turnaround is dependent on consumer dollars. They even say spending those dollars locally can optimize your impact.
Here are some tips on how you can shop local without making the piggy bank squeal:
If there’s a chain store selling the goods, there’s probably an independently owned retailer offering the same items, too.
For example, in the toy store category, you could shop locally at Enchanted Toys in New Paltz or Toodle Town Toys in Wingdale. These toy stores sell merchandise that isn’t electronic or violent and can’t be found in the mass market.
So what can you find at one of these shops? A PlanToys wooden treehouse, Papo medieval figurines and toy mobiles of all sorts.
Or you could buy toys that have been lightly used at the consignment store Just For Kids in Wappingers Falls owned by Marie Michels. All its winter and fall items are 75 percent off.
Michels, who has been in business for almost 24 years, has Communion outfits and flower girl dresses for less than $20.
Day-care owner Audrey Vytuvis buys toys, books, DVDs and furniture at Just For Kids’ resale rate.
“I’m totally against all that China stuff,” said Vytuvis of Little Star Day Care in the Town of Beekman.
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