NEW MEXICO – The New Mexico Economic Development, Tourism and Taxation and Revenue Departments are encouraging New Mexicans and visitors to shop locally during the holiday season.
“More than fifty percent of New Mexico employees work for small businesses,” said Economic Development Department Acting Secretary Jon Clark. “Shopping at small businesses during the holiday season supports their neighbors, our state’s economy and local communities.”
To support local shopping efforts, the New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) recently released its annual New Mexico True Certified holiday gift guide. The guide includes 130 locally grown and produced products, from jewelry, art, clothing, home décor, snacks and more.
NMTD also launched its first New Mexico True Certified local shopping campaign for the holiday season. The campaign highlights the craftsmanship, care and artistry of New Mexico True Certified products.
In addition, Nov. 25, 2023 is New Mexico’s Small Business Saturday tax holiday, when the state suspends the collection of gross receipts tax on sales of qualifying items at certain small, non-franchised businesses with 10 or fewer employees.
“Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity for all of us to save a little money and support local New Mexico businesses to grow our local economy,” said Revenue and Taxation Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke.
“We really wanted to make a concerted effort to remind people this holiday shopping season that they can find authentic, high-quality gifts made right here in New Mexico,” said Acting Tourism Secretary Lancing Adams.
Buying 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 that supports community services. Finally, a vibrant local economy improves the quality of life for the entire community.
