Shopping locally makes last-minute gift-finding easy

“Everything is 15 percent off unless otherwise marked,” said a Fashions by Cexi sales attendant to a woman browsing through a rack of leather jackets.

“This one’s cute,” said customer Sharon Groh, as attendant Jessica Knight helped her try on the stylish apparel.

“It looks great,” they both agreed.

Fashions by Cexi employee Jessica Knight helps customer Sharon Groh shop for jackets. Fashions by Cexi has many items on sale and will be open until 3 p.m. Christmas Eve.

Fashions by Cexi is a clothing apparel store located next to Say Sushi in the Fry’s Marketplace Center and one of many stores in town that can save residents shoppers a trip out of town for last-minute gifts. They will stay open until 3 p.m. Christmas Eve.

They are one of several Maricopa stores offering sales, discounts and the convenience of not having to leave town.

“That’s what’s nice about shopping in Maricopa,” said Terri Kingery, director of the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce. “The people are friendly and the stores aren’t too crowded like the mall.”

She said that although it is vitally important to support local business for the future of economic development, more importantly, it just doesn’t make sense to drive out of town for Christmas shopping.

“In addition to keeping tax dollars in our community, shopping locally saves gas and time,” she said.

In addition to convenience and quality service, many stores are offering incentives to shop locally this holiday season. Maricopa’s RadioShack, located on Smith-Enke Road next to Walgreens, is offering a drawing to win a Sirius Satellite Radio and a year of free service. They also have discounted prices on select items and are open until 6 p.m. Christmas Eve.

There are several local businesses that have great gifts and stocking stuffers, Kingery said. It only makes sense to stay local and enjoy the holiday.

RadioShack employee Karla Melendres stands ready to serve last-minute shoppers today. Radio Shack will be open Saturday and Sunday (Christmas Eve).

Fashions by Cexi customer Sharon Groh browses through the jewelry.