Welcome to The MTM Institute‘s Annual #ShopLocal Holiday Gift Guide for Rockland County, NY – Part of our Hudson Valley networking region.
As we approach the holiday season, The MTM Network invites you to discover unique gifts for professionals and business owners. These gifts not only delight members. They also strengthen the local Rockland County, NY economy while building meaningful connections between businesses and consumers.
Sponsored by MTM Equities, this curated guide showcases Rockland County’s diverse entrepreneurial landscape, from arts and crafts to specialty services. It’s a free resource to help connect members with each other, our local partners and small businesses supporting the Rockland community.
By choosing to shop locally, we’re not just finding special gifts, we’re investing in our community’s future and building relationships that extend far beyond a single purchase.
Research by the American Independent Business Alliance shows a significant impact of local spending. When $100 is spent at a local business, approximately $68 remains in the community. This compares to just $43 when spent at a chain store. In Rockland County specifically, local spending generates 3.5 times more wealth for the local economy than spending at national chains. This demonstrates a strong local multiplier effect from supporting independent businesses[The Local Multiplier Effect – American Independent Business Alliance].
The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation reports that small businesses in the region create two out of every three new jobs. Small businesses are essential drivers of economic growth. Holiday shopping choices represent a direct investment in local employment opportunities. They support the vitality and expansion of the regional job market [Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC)].
In Rockland County, 2023 visitor spending reached $556 million, which included $98 million spent directly on retail goods. This spending supports $256 million in local employment income. It generates $34 million in county tax revenue. This effort reduces the tax burden on residents while sustaining critical sectors like healthcare and manufacturing [Rockland County – New York State Tourism Industry Association].
Previous years showed robust benefits from arts and cultural events. These events saw 80% of attendees shopping locally. Additionally, 90% of them dined in-county. This contributed an estimated $183,000 per 500 visitors. However, 2025 has experienced a decline in tourism-driven retail activity. Visitor numbers and spending on arts festivals have softened from post-pandemic peaks. This change reflects broader economic uncertainties and shifting consumer behaviors.
However, Rockland County continues to play a vital role in the Hudson Valley’s regional economy. This is achieved mostly through retail and food/beverage spending. The Arts: An Economic Driver in Rockland County – Rockland County Business Journal. Rockland County – New York State Tourism Industry Association. These numbers underscore the critical importance of supporting local businesses. This support is not only to maximize economic returns in Rockland County. It is also to help stabilize regional employment and offset recent declines in tourism-related commerce.
Local businesses contribute approximately 250% more to nonprofits and community causes than larger chains, based on survey dataThe term Data as defined in business. More from Small Business Charitable Giving – Big Impact – SCORE. In Rockland County, roughly 2,500 nonprofits generated $1.8 billion in revenue (2016 dataThe term Data as defined in business. More), recirculating 73% locally via Cornell Cooperative Extension findings, amplifying both economic and social impacts. [Economic Impact Survey – Cornell Cooperative Extension] Rockland Community Foundation reports historic grant disbursements exceeding $200,000 to nonprofits in FY2016. This reflects sustained local giving traditions despite exact 2024 figures remaining unverified.[Rockland Community Foundation Annual Report]
Additionally, shopping locally significantly reduces transportation emissions through shorter supply chains. This practice cuts fuel use and associated CO₂ from shipping, which accounts for 25% of global emissions. It reduces 13 billion gallons of U.S. fuel annually [Reduce Your Carbon Footprint by Shopping Local]. While EPA resources highlight local businesses’ advantages in energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable practices over larger operations reliant on global logistics [SUSTAINABILITY 2.0 – EPA].
Many Rockland County businesses minimize environmental impact via local sourcing, zero-waste initiatives, composting, energy-efficient appliances, plant-based options, and reusable/biodegradable packaging for takeout:
Local businesses offer distinctive products and personalized service not found at national retailers. Recent surveys show consumers prioritize unique experiences, authentic brands, and in-store trials. About 52% of consumers are seeking to “try before buy.” Additionally, 38% request personalized recommendations in specialty retail. [The 2025 In-Store Speciality Retail Report: Presented by Chatmeter]
Rockland County’s diversity shines through local businesses. They provide authentic gifts tied to community history. These include handmade crafts from Hudson Valley vendors. These crafts emphasize exclusivity unavailable at chains like Walmart. [Why you should consider buying local this holiday season]
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