The Chamber in Hays, Kansas encourages local shopping this holiday season

The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, is urging residents to embrace the spirit of the holiday season this year by supporting local businesses.

President and CEO Sarah Wasinger recently highlighted the significance of shopping, dining, and decorating locally to help the community thrive while patronizing the diverse range of businesses in Ellis County during an interview on The Post Podcast.

She encouraged listeners to consider using their purchasing power to support the local economy, emphasizing that the act of giving can be even more rewarding than receiving.

"It is our favorite time of year at The Chamber to remind people all of the different ways that you can support our community,” Wasinger said. “And that includes shopping, dining, and cooking and decorating locally for the holidays."

Wasinger, who has a background in retail, also shared her personal preference for early holiday shopping, citing her ability to find great deals and noted that many businesses in Hays were starting their holiday season with open houses and special promotions, including coupon offers.

Local businesses in Hays offer personalized service and a wide variety of products, often including homegrown or locally-made items, she said and emphasized the role these businesses play in the community's economic well-being, highlighting how local sales tax revenue supports essential services such as the police department, parks and infrastructure.

“We are so fortunate in our community to have a diverse representation of businesses, whether they be restaurants, retailers and different places that you can go to find that special something for someone for the holidays,” Wasinger said.

And she noted the exceptional customer service provided by local businesses and said they "know or can ask the right questions to help you determine what it is that you need or want, or something you might not even have thought of yet."

Wasinger also suggested that residents utilize the business directory on the Hays Chamber website to discover local businesses and their offerings.

Additionally, the availability of "Chamber Cheques" was recommended as a versatile gift option that can be used like cash at many of the chamber’s over 500 members.

As the holiday season approaches, Wasinger said using those Chamber Cheques during key shopping events, such as Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, are perfect opportunities to support local retailers and noted in recent years, there has been a growing trend of early holiday sales and promotions, encouraging shoppers to start early.

"We have wonderful retailers across the city,” Wasinger said. “A lot of mom-and-pop stores, specialty stores, and nationally known and trusted retailers, which means that locally you can find unique ideas and gifts for that special someone right here at home.”

In addition to gifts, the discussion touched on the variety of dining options available in Hays. Restaurants, coffee shops, and grocers offer solutions for both holiday dining and entertaining guests.

Wasinger also highlighted the convenience of local grocers for purchasing holiday meals or specialty items and suggested considering gift cards for local restaurants as stocking stuffers.

To hear the full interview, visit The Post Podcast page on Podbean.

For those seeking more information or looking for specific businesses to support shopping local, the Chamber in Hays, Kansas, website provides a comprehensive directory of member businesses at hayschamber.com.

They also maintain a presence on social media, including Facebook and Instagram.