Shop Small, Shop Sausalito

As winter begins to crawl in like Karl over Sausalito, and visitor numbers take a dip, there's an opportunity that locals shouldn't overlook—the magic of shopping locally. While the allure of big-city lights might tempt some residents to venture beyond the town limits, there's a compelling case for supporting local businesses during the quieter winter months.

Supporting Local Businesses:

1. Community Resilience: Shopping locally isn't just about finding unique treasures; it's about fostering community resilience. When residents choose to spend their dollars in Sausalito, they contribute to the sustainability of local businesses. This, in turn, helps maintain the vibrant character that makes Sausalito special.

2. Preserving the Unique Charm: Sausalito is renowned for its charming streets, lined with independent boutiques and artisanal shops. By patronizing these establishments, residents actively participate in preserving the town's unique character. These businesses often reflect the local culture, offering products and services that showcase the authentic spirit of Sausalito.

3. Job Creation and Economic Stability: Small businesses are the backbone of any community. During the winter months, when tourism tends to dwindle, local patronage becomes even more crucial. By choosing to shop in Sausalito, residents contribute to job creation and help maintain economic stability within the community.

The Benefits for Residents:

1. Personalized Service: Local businesses in Sausalito thrive on providing personalized service. Shopping in your own town allows you to build a rapport with shop owners and staff, leading to a more personalized and enjoyable shopping experience. It's not just a transaction; it's a connection.

2. Discover Hidden Gems: Winter shopping in Sausalito unveils hidden gems that may go unnoticed during the bustling tourist season. Take the time to explore local stores, and you might stumble upon unique finds that add a touch of exclusivity to your winter wardrobe or home.

3. Contribution to Community Events: Many local businesses play an active role in organizing community events, even during the winter months. By supporting these establishments, residents contribute to the success of these events, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

In the quieter winter months, Sausalito reveals a different kind of charm—one that can only be fully appreciated by those who call it home. By choosing to shop locally, residents not only support the business community but also actively contribute to the preservation of Sausalito's unique character and the well-being of their neighbors. This winter, let's embrace the magic of Sausalito's local charm and make a lasting impact on the heart of our community.

There is a reason we say: Think Local, Buy Local, Stay Local. For every $100 spent locally, $68 goes back to the community. Our local businesses – the hotels, restaurants and retail shops as well as the service industries and B2B businesses in town (accountants, attorneys, ad agencies, etc.) generate more than 50% of the City’s operational budget. In other words, without a strong, sustainable economy, our City would struggle – the programs and services the city provides would be at risk, whether it’s parks, public safety, the library, or operational infrastructure such as street repair and waterfront maintenance.

In other words, why leave town? Downtown parking is not a big issue–every resident gets three FREE hours of parking in the downtown lots and there is ample street parking in other business neighborhoods. We pride ourselves on being a “no-chain-store, no-big-box-store” town ... but the charming boutiques and small businesses need our support to survive.

Also don’t forget or underestimate the value of our out of town visitors–the hospitality and tourism industries are critical to the health of our local economy. Be nice to our visitors; they are ambassadors for us throughout the world and they fuel our local economy with an estimated $82 million a year.

In addition to supporting our retail merchants, service providers, and the hospitality sectors in town, the Chamber works closely with civic leaders to ensure a diversified mix of other businesses in Sausalito that are low-impact and environmentally conscientious, always striving to preserve our small-town, marine-oriented character. Empty storefronts, poorly-utilized space and blighted areas do nothing for our economy or the complexion of our town. Every business has what is called a “multiplier effect”. If a new graphic design agency generates $1M in revenue, it is calculated that this growth will generate 14 new jobs, $510k in business revenue at other local businesses and $240k in business-related tax revenues. The “visitors” who work here on a daily basis are also an important part of our economy–they, too, stay, shop and dine locally. Clearly it behooves us to be a “business-friendly” community.

To learn more about what your Chamber does to support economic development, access a copy of the “Economic & Community Development Report” prepared by the Marin Economic Forum report from the City or Chamber websites. You may also access the “Business Start-Up Guide” on either website, as well as information and meeting minutes from the City’s Business Advisory Committee (BAC) on which Chamber, business and community representatives serve. The BAC is tasked with ensuring a sustainable economic future in Sausalito; meetings are usually held the third Thursday of every month and are open to the public.