Shop Local for the Holidays in the Westwood Magnolia Parkway Improvement District

Shopping with family and friends is synonymous with the holidays. Even with the rise of online shopping, individuals in the Westwood Magnolia Parkway Improvement District (WMPID) enjoy picking up items locally at their favorite shops and stores. In addition to perusing the aisles of big-box national chains, visiting locally-owned, small businesses is critical to local entrepreneurs’ economic well-being.

Consumers spend an estimated $17 billion on Small Business Saturday, kicking off a critical period for small business owners, half of which indicate holiday sales account for at least 25 percent of their annual revenue.

“There has been a tremendous amount of construction in our district in 2024 with a focus on future growth and safety, but many of our area businesses have faced a drop in customers because of it,” said WMPID Executive Director Rob Eissler. “Beginning on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, we all can help these businesses get back to normal by visiting them for holiday shopping and into 2025.”

Shop local in WMPID

Residents and visitors are drawn to the many area businesses for a wonderful collection of big box stores like Home Depot and numerous small shops, restaurants and services run by local entrepreneurs. Recognizing the season’s significance, the WMPID Board of Directors recently approved holiday overtime pay for additional deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff‘s Department, which houses a sheriff substation in the Westwood Village Shopping Center. 

Opportunities to enjoy the holiday shopping season include:

• The Westwood Village Shopping Center has been the retail centerpiece of WMPID since opening in 2007. Anchored by Target, the shopping center has numerous stores offering office, clothing, pet, and consumer goods, as well as several fast food restaurants and sit-down restaurants.
• The Marcel Town Center at the corner of FM1488 and Old Conroe Road offers walkable shopping and excellent restaurants like Citizens Grill, Tapped and World Burgers to pause and refresh before returning to finding the perfect gifts. 
• The Culinary Courtyard on Tamina Road in Magnolia is the site of many amazing small, locally owned businesses and artisans through the Courtyard Collective, such as Brick & Brews, the Caffeine Collective, seasonal markets and more.

Shopping local benefits the WMPID economy

1. Buying local keeps profits in the community: The money you spend at local stores won’t be sent to a corporate headquarters out of state. The profits stay with the business owners, not national shareholders. 
2. It creates jobs. When local businesses grow, they can take on more team members. Buying from nearby businesses could increase employment in the WMPID area. 
3. Local businesses pay county and state taxes: The profits from these businesses are taxed, and the funds are used to support infrastructure and community improvements. You can make the WMPID area by buying locally.
4. Buying from local businesses supports suppliers and vendors: Even if your company isn’t directly affected by the holiday season, your customers might be. Thriving local businesses can afford to hire marketing firms, accountants, lawyers, and other service providers. 
5. Supporting local companies fosters a culture of entrepreneurship. When new businesses succeed in the WMPID area, other entrepreneurs can feel empowered to open their own companies here, bringing additional products and services to customers. 
6. Buying local keeps people in the WMPID area while attracting new residents. You can support multi-generational businesses in the WMPID area. Not only can new businesses open, but existing companies can grow.  

It’s always the season to shop locally!

WMPID calls all to support local businesses this holiday season, but there’s never a wrong time to visit the area’s shops and stores. What seems like a small purchase for you can have a big impact now, in 2025 and beyond.