Look Local First: Your Dollar Goes Farther in Downtown Wilkes-Barre

There’s something special about the interactions people have in small, local businesses. I’ll do anything for a little coffee shop where the barista gives me extra whipped cream on my hot chocolate, because they know that’s the way I like it. Or a bar with its own personality, where I am immediately the target of the bartender’s jokes. Or even a small store, where the owner intimately knows the details of the items in stock and leads me to exactly what I’m looking for... or didn’t know I needed! When you walk into the place, it’s like you are a superstar, because your money means they can keep their doors open for you. Every dollar of your money goes towards a person who lives here, works here, and is invested in making this community a good place to be.  

Shopping local doesn’t always mean giving up convenience. About a month ago, I needed a shower curtain liner and, admittedly, my first instinct was to run to Walmart. That week, I had wandered into Boscov's, one of the last family-owned Department stores conveniently located in the heart of our Downtown, and there it was: a shower curtain liner. They have all sorts of everyday things we convince ourselves we need to drive somewhere else to find, and you can’t beat the deals. It was a small reminder that we sometimes overlook what is right in front of us.  

That’s one of the things I love so much about Downtown Wilkes-Barre. We have cafes, restaurants, bars, entertainment, and yes, even places to pick up that random shower curtain liner you need. So next time you’re about to make a trip to the big-box store, see how much you can cross off your list Downtown. You’ll be able to grab a fantastic coffee, get almost everything you need, find something you didn’t know you wanted, and treat yourself to a nice meal (and, of course, a sweet treat), all while supporting several local businesses and leaving your car in one spot. 

Choosing local isn’t just about what we’re buying or how much we are spending - it is about what we are helping to build. Every time we choose to spend a few dollars here instead of somewhere disconnected from where we live, we are helping to create a Downtown that is active, welcoming, and worth spending time in. Communities thrive when restaurants have a wait for tables, shops are busy, and the sidewalks are full of people exploring the Downtown.  

So next time you get in your car to drive to a chain near the mall, consider Downtown instead. Park a few blocks away from wherever you plan to go and make the walk a part of your experience. Explore what we have to offer, and dream of what can come when we all invest in Downtown Wilkes-Barre.