First stop: downtown Davis!

By Michael Bisch and Rosalie Paine

We speak on behalf of the local business owners of downtown Davis. As the holiday shopping season begins, we’re asking local citizens to make one simple pledge — First Stop: Downtown Davis!

Why? Downtown Davis is a thriving local marketplace that makes your day better when you spend time here; our ever-improving town center has a wonderful ambiance; friendly people; great deals; superb dining, arts and entertainment; and so much more. Have you seen all the new public sculptures and murals downtown?

Towns across America are losing their locally owned businesses because many shoppers have traded the value of shopping locally for the perceived benefit of excess assortment inside big-box stores or the expediency of online commerce. In Davis, we won’t let that happen. Our citizens understand the value of shopping locally, and we merchants understand what it takes to compete for business in the 21st century.

We’re so proud to live and work here in Davis, a place where — unlike so many towns in America — the residents understand that when local businesses win, our community wins. We know shopping downtown is easier than voting for a new parcel tax, and does more to preserve our home values than federal bailouts. But most importantly, being in downtown Davis is just an awesome experience.

So this year, pledge to give yourself the gift of a wonderful afternoon (or two) in your own downtown, and we’re sure you’ll find the perfect gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Come take a walk (or a ride). Have some locally roasted coffee. Visit with friends. Enjoy local foods. Find the right gifts.

If you pledge to make your first stop downtown Davis, we (your local merchants) pledge to give you in return:

* Unique, high-quality products;

* Competitive prices that might surprise you;

* Knowledge and service you can’t beat; and

* Yes, we’ve been working on the parking, too!

If you can’t find all your holiday gifts in downtown Davis, we understand you might end up at the malls or box stores (or worse, sending your dollars out of state by shopping online), and we won’t tell anyone if you go there. Just please give us the first chance to earn your business. You’ll be happy you made the short trip downtown, we promise!

— Michael Bisch and Rosalie Paine are members of the Davis Downtown board of directors and are writing on behalf of all of the merchants of downtown Davis. For more information, visit www.davisdowntown.com