Shop Local This Holiday Season: Give a Gift That Gives Back to Enid

The holiday season is a time for giving, and one of the most meaningful gifts we can give is our support for the businesses that make Enid a great place to live, work and shop.

As holiday shopping gets underway, ERDA encourages residents to think local first. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift, planning a holiday gathering or checking items off your everyday shopping list, choosing Enid businesses makes a difference that extends far beyond the checkout counter.

Your Dollars Make a Difference

Shopping local is more than a transaction. It's an investment in the economic health and future of our community.

Local businesses are an essential part of Enid's economy. They create jobs, support families, contribute to our tax base and help provide the goods and services residents rely on every day. They also give our community its unique character, offering personalized service, distinctive products and experiences that can't always be found at national chains or online.

When you spend your money in Enid, you help:

Support local jobs. Strong businesses create employment opportunities and provide income for individuals and families throughout Northwest Oklahoma.

Strengthen our local economy. Shopping in Enid helps generate sales tax revenue that supports essential city services, infrastructure and community improvements.

Encourage business growth. Consistent local support gives businesses the confidence to expand, invest in their operations and create new opportunities.

Build a vibrant community. Local businesses frequently support schools, nonprofits, youth activities and community events through sponsorships, donations and volunteer involvement.

Keep Enid competitive. A thriving retail and service sector helps attract new residents, businesses and investment while improving quality of life for everyone.

From downtown boutiques and specialty shops to restaurants, grocery stores and service providers, every local purchase contributes to a stronger Enid.

Make Your Holiday Shopping Count with Candy Cane Cash

This holiday season, shopping local could also put a little extra cash in your pocket!

The annual Candy Cane Cash promotion, organized by the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce and the Enid News & Eagle, is celebrating its 23rd year of rewarding shoppers for supporting Enid businesses.

Thirty participating merchants are distributing tickets for a chance to win a share of $15,000 in cash prizes, including a $7,500 grand prize.

Here's how it works:

• Shop at participating Enid businesses and receive one ticket for every $10 spent.
• Earn double tickets on Thursdays and Saturdays.
• Collect tickets through noon on Monday, December 7.
• Bring your tickets to the drawing on Tuesday, December 8, at 7 p.m. at the Stride Bank Center for a chance to win.

The drawing will also feature merchant displays, Christmas music and a festive visit from Storybook Santa, making it a fun holiday experience for the whole family.

ERDA is proud to join the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, Security National Bank, Enid News & Eagle and the City of Enid as an official sponsor of this hometown tradition.

For complete promotion rules and a list of participating businesses, visit enidnews.com/candycanecash.

Think Local First, All Season Long

Supporting Enid businesses doesn't have to mean finding every gift on your list at a locally owned store. It can be as simple as choosing an Enid restaurant for dinner, purchasing a gift card from a local business, shopping for holiday decorations in town or using a local service provider.

And shopping local isn't limited to small businesses. National retailers and restaurants with Enid locations also employ local residents, contribute to our tax base and play an important role in our regional economy.

The goal is simple: Before you click "add to cart" or drive out of town, see what Enid has to offer.

A healthy local business community is a key part of economic development. Businesses are more likely to invest and grow in communities where residents actively support them. That growth creates a ripple effect, strengthening our workforce, improving quality of life and making Enid an even more attractive place to live and do business.

This holiday season, let's celebrate the businesses that invest in Enid throughout the year by investing in them.

Shop Enid. Support local. Strengthen our community.
Because when Enid businesses thrive, our entire community benefits.