Local businesses cover bases for holidays

Shopping locally owned, independent businesses not only helps keep money in the local economy, generates business, and raises taxes to provide needed services, it also saves shoppers time and gas that would have otherwise been spent driving to neighboring cities and shopping malls.

“December sales represent 9.6 percent of the operating sales tax collections, which is the largest month for us,” said Surprise spokeswoman Diane Arthur. “The second highest is March, for spring training.”

With average monthly sales tax collections totalling $1.9 million, December’s jumps to $2.2 million and March to $2.1 million.

“Anyone who spends money in Surprise, that money stays here,” Arthur said. “It goes to street maintenance and public safety needs.”

“So Surprise residents who shop in neighboring cities, those tax dollars benefit those communities,” Arthur said. “With this tight economy, everyone is fighting for every last penny.”

According to Local First Arizona, a non-profit aimed at strengthening communities and local economies through supporting locally owned businesses, when you shop at a locally owned business, 45 cents of every dollar stays in Arizona, versus 13 cents of every dollar spent at a national chain.

Some of the other benefits, according to the group:

• For every two jobs national retailers bring to a community, three jobs are lost as a result of local businesses closing down.
• When you shop locally owned businesses, your money is re-circulated over and over and creates up to 75 percent more tax revenue to our community and state.
• Independent businesses raise the standard of living in your community because they take their profits and buy products and services from other local businesses, thus creating more and more tax revenues needed for the community to thrive.

Surprise residents can find a host of locally owned businesses to do their holiday — and year-round — shopping, which offer personalized service and items not found in big chain stores.

A few of them are featured below. Locally owned restaurants in Surprise include Archie’s Deli, Rio Mirage Cafe, Irish Wolfhound and Dillon’s.

Dale’s Town & Country
To the casual observer, Dale’s Town & Country in Surprise might appear to be a place for ranchers and horse owners to buy food and accessories for their livestock.
That’s true — but it’s only half the story.
In addition to hay, horse feed and accessories, it also carries a full line of premium dog foods and toys, as well as gifts and clothing.
“We have a lot of customers come in and say they never knew it was like this,” said owner/manager Dana Shores.
The store, which has been in operation for more than 35 years, carries Petrol brand women’s clothing and the boutique line Cowgirl Tuff at discounted prices. Purses, metal art, home décor and patio accessories are also available.
Seasonal gifts include John Deere and other name-brand Christmas ornaments.
And the entire line of Breyer’s collectible model horses is offered.
Dale’s Town & Country is at 14320 W. Waddell Road in Surprise. Call 623-584-5736 for information or visit http://www.dalestownandcountry.com.

Doggy Style Pet Gear
Northwest Valley eco-friendly pet owners can find a wide selection of natural products for their dogs and cats.
Martin Narvaez opened the store in January 2008, envisioning offering products that met strict, 'green’ criteria.
“They need to be eco-friendly, all-natural, produced with sustainability in mind, made in the U.S., made with recycled materials,” Narvaez said.
Shoppers can buy with a clear conscience, and purchase high-quality pet foods and treats, and toys and beds that are made from recycled material including soda bottles.
Among the unusual, all-natural treats are segments of elk antlers, which are harvested after the elks shed them naturally, available in a variety of sizes.
Narvaez said the antlers are rich in calcium, sun-baked, and don’t fragment like other bones, which tend to be softer.
Shoppers can also find a wide assortment of products typically found in specialty catalogs or online, such as dog toys made by Orbee-Tuff, which are made of non-toxic ingredients and a compound that is 100 percent recyclable.
Doggy Style Pet Gear is at 17058 W. Bell Road, Suite 101 in Surprise. Call 623-251-5201 for information.

BoardWest Skate Shop
Mark Bertignoli has been skateboarding since he was 5.
Forty-four years later, he’s still shredding at local parks and quarter pipes. But now, he’s skateboarding with his own teenage kids.
So opening BoardWest Skate Shop in Surprise last month seemed fitting. Bertignoli had other skate board shops in California, but this is his first in Arizona.
It’s location — it’s the only skate shop west of Loop 101 — makes it convenient for local skaters.
The shop carries top tier skateboards, accessories and skateboarding clothing, including The Hundreds—a hot and hard-to-find brand.
“The mall does carry the majority of the skateboarding brands, but every customer who comes in here says the exact thing about our prices being less expensive,” Bertignoli said.
Those shopping for skateboarding teens and young adults can find gifts in a variety of prices, he said.
“You can get a shop complete (skateboard) with our logo on it for $87, which is pro quality,” Bertignoli said.
Boards start at just under $50, and can range up to $250, depending on how they are customized.
Shoes run from $45 to $145, and pants go for $47 to $85.
BoardWest Skate Shop is at 13843 W. Bell Road in Surprise. Call 623-975-0046 for information.