K. Sylvest, Nederland. Our annual shopping guide typically invites you to keep your money in town so that it circulates back into the local community. That’s a typical story that’s been done time and time again in mountain communities like ours. But what you might not know is that some businesses are reporting that they may have to close their storefronts forever if sales don’t pick up. With more people turning to the convenience of online shopping, (proven by the recent addition of new postal lockers at the post office), reportedly a slow summer, increasing rents, and sales affected by canyon construction closures some businesses are begging for you to shop in Nederland this year to keep our town, not only full of holiday cheer, but well . . . afloat.

The undertones were apparent and the interviews began to go the same way, profit prospects looked bleak for many distressed local business owners as they hunched over their computers to share that sales were down since the beginning of canyon construction in the spring. Each customer that walks into Nederland Feed and Pet is treated like family or a friend. Loved community businesswoman, Abby Pause shared that she wants locals to know that if sales don’t pick up soon that Nederland Feed and Pet “won’t make it” another two years to outlast construction.  Abby and her husband, Adam “Love being [in Nederland], surrounded by people who know [them]”. She wants Nedestrians and patrons from the greater Peak to Peak region to know that the family is grateful for your business, but it may be more urgent to shop local than ever before. Stories like Abby’s inspired The Mountain-Ear to cover exactly what you might consider buying this holiday season from our local shops. 

Nederland Pet and Feed: Stock up on food and treats for your pet sitter before you leave to go out of town and collect toys and goodies for your pooch or kitty’s stocking like the bestselling Hedgehog Plush Dog Toy (my Great Pyrenees’s favorite).

Other businesses like the Mountain Man Store are hoping for big Eldora winter traffic after a slow summer. John Thompson always greets tourists and locals alike with a friendly vibe from behind his counter. Eldora traffic isn’t stopping in like they used to because they are taking alternate routes to avoid construction.  Mountain Man Store: grab a warm hat for $7.99 and up and gloves for a bargain of $5.99 and up. Snatch a new pair of goggles if you left yours on the lift last weekend for $24.99 and up.

Kathmandu Gifts: closing and being taken over by local ceramicist, Bri Estrada, of Spinning Silica. She hopes to host a grand opening next fall showcasing local artists and will include pottery lessons. For now, the storefront is open Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from 11a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Bri is offering the last of Kathmandu Gifts beautiful clothing items for 40% off on Black Friday but she offers a 20% discount for locals every day.

Alpaca Store & More: has just ordered new sweaters with intricate beautifully crafted details. They are also receiving a new shipment of gloves that include children’s pairs with adorable animal faces. The Alpaca Store also reported that their sales have been down since canyon construction began. They are offering 30% off store-wide for the holiday season.

Wings of Lace Boutique: The only thing better than her taste of classic rock that bumps overhead in this eclectic little shop is Kimberly’s artistic taste in style. They are offering 50% off their lace tunics from Italy and plaid shirts are only 24 dollars . . . something to offer for everyone from your fancy bohemian mountain momma to your rugged woodswoman that can run the chainsaw. 

While you’re out and about enjoying our fun and funky community, don’t forget to grab a giftcard from your favorite restaurants and businesses like: Rincon del Sol II, Ned’s, Backcountry Pizza, New Moon Bakery, Very Nice Brewing Company, Tadasana Mountain Yoga, and Kathmandu Restaurant. 

(Editor's note: While we realize the holiday shopping season has passed, we decided to post these stories anyways. Supporting local business is a year round commitment. We hope you will consider spending your money in local stores, to ensure they are there next year, and the year after.)

(Originally published in the November 28, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)