Countdown to Christmas: Why Shopping Local Still Matters

As Christmas draws near, there is still time for Laurens County residents to make a meaningful impact through where they choose to shop. Supporting local businesses during the holiday season does more than check items off an item on the gift list — it strengthens the entire county, from downtown storefronts to family-run farms and rural small businesses.

When shoppers choose locally owned stores, restaurants, and service providers, those dollars stay closer to home. They support local jobs, families, and entrepreneurs across Laurens County, helping maintain the character and vitality of communities large and small, including Laurens, Clinton, Gray Court, Joanna, Cross Hill, and the surrounding rural areas.

Even with just over a week remaining before Christmas, shopping local remains easy and practical. Gift cards are a popular and flexible option, allowing recipients to choose what they need while providing immediate support to local businesses. Services and experiences — such as dining, personal care, specialty shopping, and locally produced goods — also make thoughtful gifts that don’t require shipping or long lead times.

Local shoppers will find a wide variety of gift options throughout the county. In Laurens, boutiques and specialty stores such as Sarabeth Jordan Boutique, Southern Twist & Trade, Carolyn’s Gifts & Crafts, Christy’s Gifts & More, New South Candles and Gifts, and Our Little Shop offer unique finds, while dining gift cards from restaurants like Moultrie, Tap & Table and service-based gifts from The Vault Salon provide easy, last-minute options.

In Clinton, locally owned businesses including Hoyt Hanvey Jewelers, The Musgrove Market, Tapestry, Broad Street Antique Mall, Aspen & Figs Inspired Gifts and Artisan Market, the Clinton Art Gallery, and Sunshine City provide everything from fine jewelry to handmade art, specialty gifts. Local dining favorites such as Wilson’s, Steamers, and Crave also offer gift cards that make holiday shopping simple.

Beyond the larger towns, Laurens County’s smaller communities and rural areas are home to many businesses worth supporting this season. In Gray Court, JBW Farms & Homestead offers locally produced goods and specialty items that make meaningful gifts. Shoppers can also find unique offerings and locally owned businesses in Joanna, Cross Hill, and throughout the county’s farming and rural communities.

As the countdown to Christmas continues, Laurens County Buzz encourages readers to think beyond convenience and consider the impact of shopping local — wherever they live in the county. Whether it’s a purchase, a gift card, or a service booked close to home, every local decision helps sustain the businesses that make Laurens County strong, connected, and uniquely its own — during the holidays and throughout the year.