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    • Shop Taos (County) First!

      EducationPress ReleaseCommunityFun Facts

      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

      Taos County Chamber of Commerce Launches 2025 “Shop Taos County First” Holiday Campaign
      Supporting Local Businesses During the Most Important Shopping Season of the Year

      Taos, NM — November 2025 — The Taos County Chamber of Commerce announces the launch of the 2025 Shop “Taos County, NM” First Holiday Campaign, running November through December, to encourage residents and visitors to support local, independently owned businesses during the holiday shopping season.

      Small businesses are the backbone of Taos County’s economy. When shoppers choose to buy local, they help sustain jobs, strengthen community prosperity, and ensure the uniqueness of Taos County’s culture and commercial districts.

      How to Support Small Businesses

      Community members are encouraged to take simple, high-impact actions:

      1. Pledge to Shop Taos First

      2. Shop Local in-person or online

      3. Support Local Food & Drink Establishments—eat in or take out

      4. Purchase Gift Cards

      5. Use Delivery or Curbside Pickup Options

      6. Give Kudos—share appreciation on social media

      7. Pay It Forward and support neighbors and community drives

      “Every dollar spent at a local business directly supports Taos County families, nonprofits, and the overall health of our community,” said Lindsey Pfaff Bain, Executive Director of the Taos County Chamber of Commerce. “Choosing local isn’t just convenient—it’s an investment in the future of our region.”

      Small Business Saturday & New Mexico’s Gross Receipts Tax Holiday

      The Chamber also highlights Small Business Saturday, happening on Saturday, November 29, 2025, which aligns with New Mexico’s one-day Gross Receipts Tax Holiday. Qualifying purchases at participating small businesses will be tax-free, giving shoppers additional incentive to shop locally.

      Part of a National Movement: Shop Indie Local

      Taos County is proud to join the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) and partners nationwide in promoting the 2025 Shop Indie Local Season. This campaign encourages communities across the country to shift holiday spending toward independent, locally owned businesses.

      As a recognized 2025 national partner, the Taos County Chamber of Commerce stands alongside dozens of organizations, independent bookstores, local alliances, and community-based groups committed to strengthening local economies.

      Why Shopping Local Matters

      Recent local and national data underscores the importance of shopping small:

      • $68 of every $100 spent locally stays in the community

      • If every U.S. family spent $10/month locally, over $9.3 billion would return to the national economy

      • Small businesses donate 250% more to local causes than large corporations

      • Local retailers generate 70% more economic activity per square foot than big-box stores

      • 58.9 million Americans are employed by small businesses

      • Local shopping reduces the environmental impacts of shipping and over-packaging

      “Local businesses are the heart of Taos County—they fuel our economy, enrich our culture, and build our sense of place,” said Bain. “This season, we invite everyone to choose Taos County first.”

      Get Involved

      Local businesses are invited to participate, become campaign sponsors, or partner through the Shop Indie Local initiative.

      Residents can stay updated through the Chamber’s website, social media pages, or by contacting the Chamber directly.

      Media Contact:
      Taos County Chamber of Commerce
      PO Box 3649
      Taos, NM 87571
      📞 (575) 751-8800
      📧 member@taoschamber.com

      Taos County Chamber of Commerce

      Shop Local First – Holiday 2025

      Supporting small businesses means supporting the heart of Taos County. When we all choose to shop local, we keep dollars circulating here at home, strengthen community connections, and help local entrepreneurs thrive.

      Below are simple, powerful ways to support our small businesses this season — and all year long.

      HOW TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES

      1. Pledge to Shop Taos First
        Make a personal commitment to shift more of your purchases to locally owned businesses.

      2. Shop Local—In Person or Online
        Visit local shops, browse local online stores, call ahead, and plan your purchases locally.

      3. Support Local Food & Drink Establishments
        Eat in, take out, cater local—every meal helps sustain local restaurants, cafés, and breweries.

      4. Buy Gift Cards
        Gift cards provide immediate cash flow for small businesses and make great gifts.

      5. Use Delivery & Curbside Options
        Many local retailers offer delivery, curbside pickup, or special-order services.

      6. Give Kudos on Social Media
        Share shout-outs, photos, and positive reviews. Your appreciation expands their reach.

      7. Pay It Forward
        Buy extra meals, donate to community drives, or support a neighbor’s purchase.

      Small Business Saturday: New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax Holiday

      📅 Saturday, November 29, 2025

      For one day only, New Mexico suspends the Gross Receipts Tax on sales of qualifying items at select small businesses. This is the perfect time to shop local and save.

      More Information:
      • New Mexico Taxation & Revenue
      • U.S. Small Business Administration – Small Business Saturday
      • American Express – Shop Small
      • AMIBA – Shop Indie Local

      SHOP “TAOS COUNTY, NM” FIRST

      Holiday Campaign | November–December 2025

      The Taos County Chamber of Commerce is proud to participate in the Shop Indie Local Holiday Campaign through the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA).

      Become a Sponsor or Partner!
      Join a network of communities and organizations nationwide that are encouraging shoppers to shift their holiday spending to independently owned local businesses.

      2025 National Partners

      (List retained as provided—excellent for showcasing national visibility and collaboration.)
      A Seat at the Table Books, LLC • American Sustainable Business Network • … • Yoknapatawpha Arts Council
      (Full list available upon request.)

      Local Shopping Matters

      New Mexico Local Shopping Statistics

      • Retail sales increased 0.5% in 2023.

      • Independent retailers generated up to $41.1 billion in sales statewide.

      • New Mexico has 3,292 local retailers (excluding sole proprietors).

      • For every local retailer, 505 consumers live in New Mexico.

      • Average annual sales:

        • $12.5M (retailers excluding sole proprietors)

        • $472,800 (including sole proprietors)

      • 9.01% of New Mexico small businesses are retailers.

      Why Shopping Local Matters

      Key U.S. Local Shopping Statistics

      Here are some of the top reasons your dollars matter when spent locally:

      • $68 of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the local economy.

      • If every U.S. family spent $10/month locally, it would return $9.3 billion to the economy.

      • Small businesses donate 250% more to local causes than large companies.

      • 58.9 million people are employed by small businesses—almost half of the U.S. workforce.

      • Local businesses create 70% more local economic activity per square foot than big-box stores.

      • Shipping generates 1 billion metric tons of CO₂ annually—local shopping cuts this significantly.

      • Immigrants own 28% of small businesses, powering local economies nationwide.

      • 25% of small businesses close due to low sales—your purchases keep them open.

      • 65% of Americans’ shopping budgets are still spent in-store—choose to spend that money locally.

      • 73% trust local businesses more when they see positive reviews—leave one!

      • 61% shop small for unique products and community connection.

      • Workers at local businesses show higher loyalty and commitment than at national chains.

      Resources & Updates

      • Social media templates and updates available through AMIBA

      • Join Artists Sunday events

      • Celebrate Halloween, Indies First, and Small Business Saturday campaigns

      BUY, SHOP & SUPPORT LOCAL

      Every dollar you spend locally strengthens Taos County. Let’s make this holiday season a celebration of community, creativity, and local prosperity.

      Taos County Chamber of Commerce
      PO Box 3649, Taos, NM 87571
      📞 575-751-8800
      📧 member@taoschamber.com

      © 2025 Taos County Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
       

      Happy Holidays!

      "The Taos County Chamber of Commerce
      Yuletide Mixer, TUESDAY, December 2, 2025
      From, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, Location: Hotel Don Fernando,
      Tickets $20/ $10 member rate Local Businesses, Entrepreneurs, nonprofits connecting with our community!
      Photo booth 📸 Ugly sweater contest! Silent 🤫 Auction!
      Thank you, Hotel Don Fernando, RDC, Taos County, Town of Taos
      Start the trend: Shop Local, Eat Local, Spend Local, Enjoy Local!
      taoschamber.com"


       

       

      (EXAMPLES BELOW) 

       

      SHOP TAOS FIRST - GIFT GUIDE - SHOP LOCAL - Campaign. 

      Weds-Thurs-Fri:
      Where you choose to spend your hard-earned dollars matters this holiday season, and YOU can create a ripple effect in your community when you Shop Taos First! On Friday, wear plaid to show support for local businesses. On Small Business Saturday and Artists Sunday, make sure you shop local small businesses, artists, and makers first! And every act of generosity counts on Giving Tuesday. Learn more about these promotions and more at taoschamber.com.
       
       Sat:
      Where you choose to spend your hard-earned dollars matters this holiday season, and YOU can create a ripple effect in your community when you Shop Taos First! On Small Business Saturday and Artists Sunday, make sure you shop local small businesses, artists, and makers first! And every act of generosity counts on Giving Tuesday. Learn more about these promotions and more at taoschamber.com.
       
      Sun: 
      Where you choose to spend your hard-earned dollars matters this holiday season, and YOU can create a ripple effect in your community when you Shop Taos First! Today is Artists Sunday, so make sure you shop local artists and makers first! And every act of generosity counts on Giving Tuesday. Learn more about these promotions and more at taoschamber.com.
       
       Mon-Tues:
      Where you choose to spend your hard-earned dollars matters this holiday season, and YOU can create a ripple effect in your community when you Shop Taos First! Every act of generosity counts on Giving Tuesday. Learn more about this promotion and more at taoschamber.com.
       
       
       
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      Shop Taos (County) First!