Home for the Holidays: The Power of Shopping Local in Peach County

November 13, 2025
Development Authority of Peach County

As the crisp autumn air turns towards the festive chill, the holiday shopping season is already upon us. From the doorbuster deals of Black Friday to the quiet search for that perfect, meaningful gift, this time of year sees our wallets open wide. For the residents of Peach County, a familiar pattern often emerges: the short drive to neighboring hubs like Warner Robins and Macon for their major retail purchases.

While we understand the draw of variety and convenience found just beyond our county lines, we want to shine a light on the incredible power - and growing options - of choosing to shop local and support local right here in Peach County this pre-holiday season.

The Retail Giants That Call Peach County Home

We’re fortunate to host some major retail destinations that offer fantastic options for all your regular and Christmas shopping needs, and it’s important to remember they are on our side of the county line.

BJ's Wholesale Club on the Highway 247 Connector is a great choice for stocking up for holiday gatherings and finding a vast array of gifts. This popular club opened its doors recently,  making it a fresh and exciting addition to our local economy. From bulk groceries to electronics, you can find phenomenal deals and selections right here in Peach County.

Buc-ee's, the beloved travel center, is another excellent option for unique gifts, snacks, and holiday road trip essentials. Their selection goes far beyond gas and beaver nuggets, offering a surprisingly robust assortment of novelty items perfect for gifts.

And let's not forget our homegrown treasures! Lane Southern Orchards is an iconic Peach County staple offering a bounty of delicious peach products, pecans, homemade jellies, baked goods, and gifts that truly embody the flavor of our community. Shopping at these large and small local businesses keeps the character and charm of Peach County thriving.

The Vital Role of Sales Tax Dollars

Why does choosing a Peach County checkout counter over an out-of-town one matter so much? It all comes down to the sales tax dollars that are essential to funding our community.

Every dollar you spend on a taxable good or service within Peach County generates a percentage of sales tax revenue that is directly reinvested in our local services—like our schools, public safety, infrastructure, and parks. When you drive to a neighboring community for your shopping, those critical tax dollars leave Peach County and benefit a different county's budget.

The presence of major retailers like Buc-ee's and BJ's Wholesale Club is an enormous advantage. Because of their location near major thoroughfares, a significant portion of their revenue comes from travelers and out-of-town visitors. When these shoppers stop at Buc-ee's or BJ's, they are essentially providing a tax subsidy for our community. Their purchases bolster our tax revenue, helping to lighten the load on our local taxpayers and providing the funds needed to maintain and improve the services we all rely on. Choosing to shop at these local giants, in addition to our wonderful small businesses, directly maximizes this revenue stream.

A Call to Action: Invest in Your Home

As the Black Friday ads start to flash and the holiday lists grow, we encourage every Peach County resident to make a conscious decision: Buy Local, Support Local, and Keep Our Dollars Working Here. Take a second look at the new BJ's, browse the delightful local goods at Lane Southern Orchards, and remember all the small, independent shops and restaurants that give our community its heart.

Spotlight: Unique Gifts from Peach County

Need inspiration for that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift? Forget Amazon—you can find thoughtful, unforgettable gifts right here. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

The Big Peach Antiques Mall
Unique vintage finds, collectibles, local artisan crafts, and retro decor for the history lover.

Dixie Magnolias
Custom t-shirts, tumblers, and sweatshirts, plus handmade items by local artists—perfect for showing Peach County pride!

Uncorked
Georgia wines, craft beers, and specialty items, including local gourmet cheeses and sauces—a sophisticated gift for the adult beverage enthusiast or host.

When you shop local, you're not just making a purchase; you are making an investment in the future prosperity and quality of life for every family in Peach County.

A Taste of Peach County for Your Holiday Table: Spiced Peach Cider

To get your holiday planning started on a sweet and local note, here is a simple and delicious recipe that perfectly incorporates our signature Peach County peaches!

Ingredients:
4 cups Peach Nectar or Peach Juice (available at Lane Southern Orchards or local stores!)
2 cups Apple Cider
1/2 cup Orange Juice
1/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed
4-6 whole Cloves
2 Cinnamon Sticks
Orange slices and fresh peach slices (if available, or frozen) for garnish

Instructions:
In a large saucepan, combine the peach nectar, apple cider, orange juice, and brown sugar.
Add the whole cloves and cinnamon sticks.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer.
Cover and let the cider simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
Remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.
Serve warm in mugs, garnished with an orange slice and a sweet Peach County peach slice.

It’s the perfect warm, fragrant beverage to welcome friends and family this Thanksgiving!