Remember to shop all the local stores

I would like to thank Katelin Davidson for the nice article she wrote in this last week’s Journal encouraging Ritzville residents to shop locally. In interviewing the owners of the four businesses mentioned in her article, those businesses were able to promote their merchandise and gift ideas which should give the competition in the “big city” a run for its money. I appreciated Connie Galbreath’s comment about our local business community shrinking in size and how she encouraged each and every one of us to do as much local shopping as possible.

That being said, I would like to remind our residents that in addition to the businesses already mentioned, there are numerous other local merchants waiting to enhance your Holiday shopping experience. Many offer gift certificates or gift cards or are taking Chamber Bucks. You will find amazing art and handcrafted items from local artisans, holiday decor and home improvement ideas, automotive necessities and collectibles, books by local authors, custom framing and silk screening, second hand thrift, vintage and antiques, jewelry, candles, jams and jellies, and food platters galore!

Pick up the “Historic Ritzville Guide” at a local shop or the Chamber of Commerce for a complete list of your local merchants. From up on the hill to the downtown area, we appreciate your patronage and hope you will continue to support us in our combined effort to keep Ritzville alive. May your Christmas be Merry and your Holiday Bright!

Carly Gillette, Remember When...? of Ritzville