Shopping locally and focusing on sustainable, locally made gifts can boost Rochester’s financial outlook, according to a report by Minnesota 2020 , a progressive St. Paul-based think tank.
The report, released last week during a news conference at Shades of Green , 2003 Second St. S.W., found that retail is the single largest driver of the state's economy. It also noted that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remains in the Rochester area economy, while only $43 remains here when purchasing at a chain store.
Among the Minnesota-made items at Shades of Green are Caldriabath and body lotions, MU Kitchenmicrofiber towels and wash cloths, Simply Neutralglass and all-purpose cleaners and the Rochester-made Scrub Your Buttline of soaps.
"I'm even half of the time surprised at how much we have," said Julie Green, store owner. "I love that. It keeps the business and the jobs in the United States and supports small businesses."
A Made in Minnesota Gift Guide is available on Minnesota 2020’s website.
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Clothing the community
Community Clothesline, the Rochester resale store that's already known for super-low prices and big sales, is rolling out a new sale Tuesday.
For the new sale, buy one item and receive another item of the same price or less for free. The sale is part of the store's holiday fest with entertainment and refreshments from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The mission of the nonprofit organization is to have good, used clothing for $2 or less all year long, said manager Sister Chrishelle Jaspers, but there's also much more.
In addition to donated lamps, dishes, glassware and Christmas decor, the thrift store has two areas for clothing: the General Store and La Boutique.
Other sales to watch for are: the half-price sale on everything except clothing, the Aqua Blue Tag sale for better things, and Big Spender Sale, where anything $10 or more is half price.
Artecnica, a Los Angeles-based design company that collaborates with international designers, came up with a bright idea for paper lanterns.
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Starlightz ($30) available at Nordic Gypsy Beads and Jewelry, 20 Third St. S.W., are earth-friendly, vibrant, colorful and easy to ship.
Stop, shop and wine
Cannon River Wineryin Cannon Falls will hold its annual winter Girls' Day Awayfrom 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Enjoy a glass of award-winning wine and food samples while strolling through local vendors.
