The Vermilion Economic Development Alliance (VEDA) is asking residents of Vermilion to shop close to home this holiday season.

“We have so many wonderful and diverse businesses in our community,” says Executive Director Anne Falgout, “You don’t have to travel far to get unique gifts and unmatched customer service.”

For the last several years VEDA has been encouraging shoppers to skip the rush of Black Friday and opt for Small Business Saturday instead. This year, the message is that more is more!

“We want you to think about the whole holiday shopping experience,” Falgout adds, “From holiday meal items to outfits and gifts, this year our merchants are offering great deals starting Thanksgiving week, all the way through the end of the year!”

In addition to putting up a list of merchants on their site, VEDA is posting holiday gift guides for the merchants that participate in their holiday shopping program. Check out the VEDA Facebook page – www.facebook.com/vermilionalliance - or their website - www.developvermilion.org/shopsmall - to get ideas, locations, ands specials.

Every dollar spent in our parish helps to keep the business community vibrant while tax dollars, employment opportunities, and companies stay in Vermilion.

Featured businesses include:

• Beau Lane Boutique - Maurice
• Body Trendz - Kaplan
• Bonene Seafood Pies - Abbeville
• Brasseux's Hardware - Abbeville & Maurice
• Deaux Amis Photography - Online at www.deauxamisphotography.com
• Chloe Rose' Gifts Inc. - Abbeville
• Earl's Babyland - Abbeville
• JC Kate Boutique - Maurice
• Louisiana Range Gun Club - Maurice
• Madi Claire's - Kaplan
• Melancon Jewelers - Abbeville
• Merle Norman Cosmetics - Abbeville
• Once Upon a Wing - Kaplan
• The Sawmill Studio - Online at www.thesawmillstudio.com
• The Depot at Magdalen Place - Abbeville
• Thibodeaux's Town & Country - Abbeville
• Thrifty Way Pharmacy of Abbeville/The Cottage Gift Shop - Abbeville
• Thrifty Way Pharmacy of Kaplan - Kaplan
• Village Deaux – Maurice