To find showstopping gifts this holiday season — SHOP LOCAL! Fort Dodge, Iowa, area retailers feature one-of-a-kind items that delight and impress. You earn gift-giving superstar status, and your community is strengthened when you take the opportunity to visit your local stores before shopping online.
By shopping local, you support your neighbors and keep tax revenue and jobs in the Greater Fort Dodge community. The funds are used to fix streets, provide upkeep, and support day-to-day operations. National statistics show that for every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents stays within your local economy. Furthermore, according to the Small Business Economic Impact Study from American Express, every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 50 cents in local business activity due to employee spending and businesses purchasing local goods and services. Local business owners are also often the ones who support local youth sports teams, charities, and events.
Beyond the dollars and cents, it’s just plain fun! There’s something special about shopping at a hometown store where the owners greet you by name, swap stories with you, and ask about the kids. Shopping can be a fulfilling interaction going beyond “add to cart.” And rest assured, business owners will always evaluate their local and national competitors to offer higher quality products at the prices consumers can afford.
Check out these local merchants, and don’t forget to pick up those gift cards!
Bountiful Boutiques = Unique
Fort Dodge is a great place to find unique boutique clothing. Check out the selection at Rush Hour Clothing Co. Specializing in trendy women's clothing and accessories, fresh items hit the racks weekly: watch their Live video every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. on their VIP Facebook group page.
Likewise, you’ll find fashion-forward women’s clothes, shoes, and accessories at Katy Lynn Boutique. Join their VIP Facebook Group to be the first to know about deals and the latest arrivals. They have the on-trend tops, bottoms, dresses, rompers, and shoes you’re looking for!
Take the time to stroll into C&M Apparel to see what’s new there. This stylish boutique carries women’s trending apparel — including plus sizes, purses, and men’s workwear — including high-vis hoodies. They offer Afterpay, allowing you to take home your finds the same day while only paying a percentage of your total.
You’ll find one-of-a-kind home decor, boutique clothing, and gifts in The Apple Attic at the Community Orchard. Check out their selection of jeans, holiday sweatshirts, shackets, and moto jackets!
Mary Kay's Gifts & Home Decor - Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio not only offers a wide variety of unique gift items, home decor, and accessories but delivers them with expertise — Mary Kay has a degree in Interior Design. She’ll help you pick what items will work best for you and how to arrange them once you get home. Mary Kay's Gifts & Home Decor has everything from candles, diffusers, baptism, confirmation, bereavement, Iowa/ISU, wall decor, tabletop decor, furniture, and so much more, including Merle Norman cosmetics! New merchandise arrives weekly.
While treating yourself to a dipped manicure or facial (or picking up a gift card), browse Luminess Spa and Candle Co’s collection of candles, accessories, and beauty products. It’s the most beautiful time of the year!
Thyme to Shop is the retail store of the upscale, yet friendly, Fort Dodge staple, Tea Thyme, a dining experience featuring delicious lunches and afternoon teas. Thyme to Shop carries a full line of tea products, gourmet coffee and candy, and decor.
Uniquely Fort Dodge!
The Iowa Outdoors Hardware and Rental Store is a unique retail store that provides everything you need for work or play, including archery, fishing supplies, and grills! They have years of experience in the outdoor media industry, as well as an extensive background in hunting, fishing, and trapping the creeks and fields of Iowa. Hardware Hank’s rental and retail power equipment department assures you can delight that person on your list who always has a project in the works.
Community Orchard, along the beautiful Des Moines River Valley, grows 5,000 trees that produce 15 varieties of fresh-from-the-grove picked apples. While you can find their pre-picked apples and delicious bakery items for sale in their market, that is only part of the story. To share a delightful taste of Iowa under the tree, pick up gift boxes as well as gift cards. While you are there, stop in The Apple Attic for more special gifts.
Customer service is what makes Brown's Shoe Fit Co. a unique standout. Their knowledgeable staff greets you at the door and is specially trained to measure your foot to help you find the perfect shoe. They carry the best selection of shoes, boots, and sandals in the area. They also stock a wide variety of work boots for men and women in safety toe, non-safety toe, and composite toe styles and work with many local companies by accepting vouchers.
The joys of a cozy local bookstore can be found in Fort Dodge at the Green Dragon Bookshop. They curate books and trinkets focused on science and fantasy fiction for all ages. See what’s new on their Facebook Page and explore their online store!
Purrrrfect Pet Gifts
Treat your furry and scaly friends to an Advent calendar, Christmas sweater, special in-store bakery treats like Christmas cookies and cannolis, and more at Pet Supplies Plus - Fort Dodge, Iowa. They have grooming and a self-serve dog wash to get your pup polished and guest-ready. Check out their deals and specials on their Facebook Page.
JRG Livestock and Pet Supply is a family-owned and operated animal health company started in 1988 by current owner Roger Gustafson, his brother, and a local veterinarian. They have a vast selection of toys, and gift cards are available. JRG is a one-stop shop for pet owners in the Fort Dodge area with an in-house small animal veterinarian, pharmacy, and complete grooming services. Keep up with their deals on their Facebook Page.
Support your community by shopping locally! For information that can help your business succeed, contact the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance at 515-955-550 or info@greaterfortdodge.com. Follow us onFacebook,Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube!
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