The Village of Hoffman Estates reminds you how easy and convenient it is to shop locally during the holiday season!

Hoffman Estates is home to many unique stores, from national chains to independent shops. There is also a wide range of restaurant and entertainment options. Local businesses create local jobs, shopping local saves gas and time, and a portion of your sales tax comes directly back to the community. Get out and explore the area to discover how many of your needs can be found just minutes from your house.

Not sure you can find what you need locally? Keep in mind that many retailers offer a wide variety of products. Your local grocer carries much more than food, such as holiday cards, DVDs and books. The local hardware store sells more than tools, including holiday decorations, paper products, home décor, and winter hats and gloves. Restaurants and entertainment venues offer gift cards and merchandise. Even car dealers offer accessories that might excite the auto enthusiast on your list. And don't forget to take care of yourself during the shopping season – there are fitness options, salons and other personal service offerings throughout the Village.

This holiday season, you can accomplish much of what you need without traveling far from home. Additionally, you will benefit by keeping your spending dollars in your own community, where they help pay for services you need and use every day.

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips 

Shoppers should take extra care to mind their personal and financial safety around the holidays—a time of increased spending. Here are some tips from the Hoffman Estates Police Department to help you enjoy shopping safely while getting those great holiday bargains:

Shopping in Stores

• Do not buy more than you can carry.  Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or asking a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
• Save all receipts.  Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases.   Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.
• Don’t flash the cash. Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, including at online stores.
• Wait until asked by a cashier before taking out your credit card or checkbook.  An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.

Walking to and From Your Car

• Be informed about your surroundings.
• Deter pickpockets.  Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
• Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package.  The same applies if you are using mass transit.
• Do not leave packages visible in your car. Lock them in the trunk, or if possible, take them directly home.

 Shopping With Small Children

• If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you are separated from each other.
• Select a central meeting place.
• Teach them to know they can ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help.
• Have them memorize or keep your cell phone number handy.
• Keep up-to-date photos and accurate descriptions of each child. Should they go missing, this information can be sent quickly to law enforcement when every moment counts.