Made in Montana Program Helps Last-Minute Shoppers to Buy Local
HELENA, Mont. – With little time remaining to buy for the holidays, the Made in Montana program at the Department of Commerce is available to help shoppers find the perfect gifts for their friends and family by connecting them with authentic Montana-made products.
Commerce recently launched the new Made in Montana website, where shoppers may browse an online directory with dozens of product categories. Popular gifts like clothing and accessories complement more outside-of-the-box options like maps and pet supplies.
“The new Made in Montana website has been expertly designed to serve producers and buyers,” said Commerce Director Haxby-Cote. “It helps to promote Montana’s small businesses by highlighting their products with bold photography, and it helps buyers discover new products with its robust database of Montana-made goods.”
For the hands-on shopper, the website also features a directory of nearly 250 retail stores across the state where Made in Montana products are sold.
According to the Small Business Index produced by MetLife and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, more than half of retail small business owners say their success for the whole year depends on the holiday season.
“Buying authentic Made in Montana gifts helps to support your friends and neighbors while also keeping the money you spend close to home in Montana,” Haxby-Cote continued.
The Made in Montana program, which also includes Grown in Montana and Native American Made in Montana, helps businesses to market qualifying products by labeling them with a special logo. More than 3,400 businesses belong to the program, and new members join every month.