Holiday shopping 2023: Support these Jersey Shore businesses – Asbury Park Press

Sure, you can do your holiday shopping at Target, Walmart or Macy’s, but downtown businesses hope you’ll try something else: shop at their place and shop local.

“People who run small businesses in our downtown are your friends and your neighbors,” said Bob Zuckerman, executive director of Red Bank RiverCenter, Red Bank’s downtown business association.

“You are really supporting your community in a much more significant way when you shop at a locally owned small business in a downtown like Red Bank.”

As it does every year, holiday shopping is about to put a dent in your wallet.

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According to the National Retail Federation, holiday spending is set to reach record levels during November and December, an expected 3% to 4% boost over last year’s spending.

“It is not surprising to see holiday sales growth returning to pre-pandemic levels,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement. “Overall household finances remain in good shape and will continue to support the consumer’s ability to spend.”

You’re in the driver’s seat to decide where you want to spend your money. What’s Going There talked with business owners in Monmouth and Ocean counties about why you should stay local.

‘We live here in town’

Husband and wife Jason and Diane Chabak opened Highlander Bicycle Company, a bike sales and repair shop, in Atlantic Highlands in October. Adding a twist to the store, they also sell men’s and women’s apparel and gifts.

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“We wanted to create something a little bit different than your traditional bike shop,” Jason Chabak said.

This holiday season, the store will hold special men’s and women’s events to help shoppers find the right gift. “It just helps people get out and get their shopping done with three weeks to go in the holiday season,” Chabak said.

“We live here in town, in Atlantic Highalnds. We wanted to invest in the community,” he said. “We are here to serve our community.”

Customer service and the personal touch makes the difference. “Can you take your bike to Target and say it is not shifting properly? No you can’t. That is what we are doing here,” Chabak said.

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‘Everyone has an incredible story’

At The Gathering Shops, located on The Block at Bell Works in Holmdel, owner Christie Martorano gives local online-only designers a pop-up spot for customers to see their creations in a brick-and-mortar shop.

For instance, a baby clothing brand from Middletown and a jewelry designer from Holmdel are at the store. “Everyone has an incredible story,” Martorano said.

She said her shop offers “personalized customer service, private shopping and personal styling.”

“Every one of our customers have a name. They are never nameless. We are invested in their experience and love to be a small part of their special moments in life,” Martorano said in a text message to What’s Going There. “When you support local businesses, you’re supporting your friends, family and neighbors.”

And that community tie-in can also extend to events.

On Nov. 30 at 7 p.m., The Gathering Shops and Velvet Boutique, an apparel shop also at Bell Works, is holding a fashion show. Proceeds from the event, which has a $40 entry fee, are going to be donated to the Beauty Foundation for Cancer Care.

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Every item for sale at Johanna’s Cuties, a children’s and babies clothing and toy store in Point Pleasant Beach, is handpicked by owner Johanna Zaremba. It’s a differentiator between shopping at Johanna’s and at a large store.

“We carry all the popular brands that have quality,” Zaremba said. “You can pass quality items for generations.”

Like other stores, her shop also offers Black Friday specials, but she also can help customers shop and answer questions, a personal touch. “They can get the information and the help they need,” Zaremba said.

The shop also has a playroom kitchen area for kids so parents can shop while their children remain occupied, she said.

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‘They like it here’

Freedom Rocks sells crystals, healing stones, and beeswax candles and offers services such as aura photography. Owner Danielle Angel said she and her team make the various products, such as the candles and body shimmer oils, in house.

“We are always coming out with new ideas, new merchandise and something new to offer that I don’t think they can get anywhere else,” Angel said.

When you shop locally, you support a business with direct ties to the community. “You’re supporting a small team of humans that only have the best intentions of making high-quality healing products,” she said.

Customers also come for the store’s environment, a community space that can be opened for workshops and events. It’s a place where customers feel welcome, Angel said.

“They like it here,” Angel said. “They like that it is warm and it’s inviting and people are friendly.”

David P. Willis, an award-winning business writer, has covered business, retail, real estate and consumer news at the Asbury Park Press for 25 years. He writes APP.com’s What’s Going There column and can be reached at dwillis@gannettnj.com. Please sign up for his weekly newsletter and join his What’s Going There page on Facebook for updates.