Ohioans support local businesses over the holidays 

WESTERVILLE, Ohio — It’s officially holiday shopping season. As people get out to shop, there are some that prefer to support local. 

Supporting small creates a big impact for the Buckeye state.

According to the Ohio Department of Development, the state has more than 90,000 small business retailers and nearly 1 million small businesses.

More than 2 million Ohioans are employed by small businesses.

One small business owner in Westerville transforms her store into a winter wonderland. 

“This section you’re gonna see that traditional feel, vintage feel… Nutcrackers, santas,” said Amy Cabilovski, owner of Edwin Loy Home. 

From a young age, Cabilovski knew she wanted to start her own business. 

“I had always dreamt of having my own business at some point in my life, and in 2012 that became a reality when I opened Edwin Loy Home,” she said.

The home decor and gift shop attracts shoppers of all ages from around Central Ohio, located right in the heart of uptown Westerville. And for the next couple months it’s been transformed into a winter wonderland full of Christmas decor. 

“We love to see the people that are shopping small and supporting their local businesses because it’s important for the community, and it keeps the downtowns and uptowns vibrant like ours,” Cabilovski said. 

Shoppers like Westerville resident Emily Bostard said supporting local around the holidays is important. 

“We live in the neighborhood, and if we could support only small businesses then why not, and there’s really cute things in their shops,” Bustard said.

The uptown Westerville streets are filled with holiday joy as people walk around, enjoying all the small businesses and everything they offer for the community. 

“I think it’s so important because giving back to your community, you’re providing jobs, you’re bringing the revenue back into your community which also keeps it vibrant, so it’s a big ripple effect,” Cabilovski said.