Shopping local is crucial not just during the holidays, but all year round, said Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Jen Dean.

By supporting local businesses, customers can make an impact by helping to bring money back into the community and keep the Island vibrant, she added.

However, Island Books owner Laurie Swift Raisys noted that this year has been a bit different and slower on the local shopping front.

“There is a lull of people supporting what we have in our backyard. My husband (Victor), I think, coined the phrase, ‘You have to shop in your backyard. You have to support what you want to keep in your backyard. Otherwise, it goes away,’” said Laurie.

Dean said that it’s tough to run a business in Washington while owners face state tax increases and tariffs.

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