Casper, Wyoming, continues to grow and welcome new retailers, but downtown business owners and community leaders emphasize the importance of supporting locally owned businesses. For Kristy Bussey, owner of the used bookstore Bookin’ It, shopping local is about investing in the people and businesses that shape the Casper community.

Supporting Local Businesses

Bussey believes local businesses offer customers a personal connection and unique products that larger retailers often cannot. She also points to the ways locally owned businesses give back through sponsorships and community involvement. Melissa Huggett, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority, echoes this message, stating that supporting local businesses creates a ripple effect that extends throughout the community.

Huggett encourages residents to explore the unique businesses in their own community, rather than overlooking them. She suggests that residents get out of their normal routine, visit downtown Casper, and discover the great businesses, goods, and services available. Bussey agrees that even small, intentional choices can make a difference and encourages residents to be more intentional with their spending, sourcing from local businesses first whenever possible.

Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.