The New Mexico Departments of Economic Development, Tourism, and Tax and Revenue encourage New Mexicans and visitors to shop at small businesses during the holiday season.
During this time of giving, it is important to shop and dine at local small businesses first to support business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, producers and creators who are growing their businesses and the local economy.
To support and encourage local shopping efforts throughout New Mexico during the holiday season, the New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) recently released its annual New Mexico True Certified Holiday Gift Guide. This year’s gift guide features 145 locally grown and produced products, from jewelry, fine art, apparel, home decor, snacks and more.
After launching its first local True Certified store campaign in New Mexico last year, NMTD will rerun the campaign for the 2024 holiday season. The campaign proved to be a huge success, generating 12,000 website referrals for participating businesses. The campaign will highlight the craftsmanship, care and artistry of New Mexico True Certified products.
The Saturday tax holiday for New Mexico small businesses is also Nov. 30, when the state allows non-franchise small businesses to deduct their sales of qualified items from their gross receipts. The annual tax exemption begins at 00:01 am and ends at midnight on the same day.
A wide variety of merchandise qualifies for duty-free status, including toys, games, electronics, books, sporting goods and more, as long as the price is less than $500 per item. Gift cards do not qualify. A complete list of qualifying items is available on the Department of Taxation and Revenue website.
“Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity for all of us to save a little money while supporting the local businesses of our neighbors in New Mexico,” said Secretary of Taxes and Revenue Stephanie Schardin Clarke.
“The SBA reports that 345,000 workers or 53% are employed in New Mexico small businesses,” said Economic Development Secretary-designate Rob Black. “By shopping at small businesses during the holidays, we support these jobs, help our neighbors and invest in our own communities.”
“New Mexico is home to some of the most talented artists and creators out there, but they don’t always have the resources to promote their products,” said Acting Secretary of Tourism Lancing Adams. “This New Mexico True Certified shopping local campaign was inspired a year ago by the belief that we can help New Mexicans support our economy by shopping local for the holidays, and we are thrilled to bring this campaign back for another year.”
“The MainStreet and Arts & Cultural districts of New Mexico invite you to their family-friendly holiday activities that support local small businesses and artists. Throughout the year, we work to support district initiatives that grow the local economy and keep dollars in New Mexico, where they recirculate and strengthen our communities,” said New Mexico MainStreet Director Daniel J. Gutiérrez.
Shopping locally is important because small businesses create jobs in the community and are also more likely to donate to community charities. Money spent locally recirculates and strengthens the local tax base, which supports community services.
Finally, a vibrant local economy improves the quality of life for the entire community.
There will also be promotional activities at the center on Saturday.