by Hanna Singh
It’s Christmastime in Lincoln Parish, and the small business owners of Ruston are ready to help you find unique gifts and tasty treats for everyone on your shopping list. From stylish clothing and home goods to delicious delights, Ruston has everything you need for last-minute shopping this December, especially during the Shop Late Evening this Thursday.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 8 p.m., participating downtown stores will stay open later than usual to give holiday shoppers a chance to explore. Stores open for the evening include Cotton Top, Goldie, The Fashion, Embellishments, Oliver and Grace, C Studio, Park Avenue Diner, Buie Photo Shoppe and Studio, The Collective, Fishy Stitches, Chartreuse Pear, The Front Shop by Chartreuse Pear, The Children’s Shoppe, Park Haus, and Peach Lemonade.
Crystal Stassen, owner of C Studio, is encouraging shoppers to stop by her store during the event with her catchy holiday slogan.
“All I want for Christmas is great hair and self-care,” Stassen said. “Come by and treat yourself or those you love with quality hair tools and products for Christmas. Or get them a gift card to pamper themselves in 2025. Merry Christmas and happy shopping.”
The event offers a chance to check off your shopping list while experiencing the charm of downtown Ruston. While some may be in a rush to check everything off of their holiday list, shopping locally offers a unique experience that you don’t get from the big box stores. The comforting charm of Downtown Ruston offers lasting holiday memories with caring hometown business owners who you can only meet while shopping in person. Shopping locally not only creates a meaningful connection between shoppers and local business owners, but it also boasts a positive impact for the community. The Mainstreet Director and Community Coordinator, Amy Stegall, highlighted why it benefits the community to shop local this season.
“Shopping small in Ruston, Louisiana, isn’t just about supporting local businesses,” Stegall said. “It’s about nurturing the heart of our community, where every purchase helps create jobs, build connections, and preserve the charm that makes this town unique.”
Shopping local doesn’t just support Ruston through spreading awareness for the local businesses, but it also keeps the tax dollars within the community, fostering growth where it’s needed most. Experience Ruston shared that for every $100 spent on internet purchases from out of state, only about $0.18 comes back to the community and for every $100 spent at a big box store, only $20 finds it’s way back into the community. When you shop locally, every $100 spent sends about $72 directly back into the local economy, allowing Ruston to grow developmentally and economically.
Director of Marketing and Communications for Experience Ruston, Tori Davis, shared how keeping those dollars in the community impacts the city’s development.
“When you shop local, not only do you support your neighbors and friends, but also your dollars are recirculated back into the community through infrastructure, our library and school system, the city’s amenities and recreational activities, as well as developmental projects” Davis said. “Being intentional to support small businesses this holiday season can make all the difference to those businesses, but also to our local economy.”
This holiday season, skip the online retailers and support the community that supports you. Discover unique treasures and delicious treats while contributing to Ruston’s thriving local economy. Make sure this Christmas to appreciate the winter wonderland that is Downtown Ruston.
