Buy Local Campaigns Get National Focus

June 30, 2009

An article in the Wall Street Journal just put the spotlight on the plight of local small independent businesses and what they are doing to boost sales and counter declining foot traffic through “Buy Local” campaigns. The article prominently features the 3/50 Project, which got its grassroots start through the gift and stationery industry, and also notes the efforts of American Independent Business Alliance in helping businesses organize "Buy Local" campaigns to make their customers more aware of the need to support their local businesses. This is a great step forward for small business and hopefully should inspire more local communities to work together to preserve and grow their local businesses. Whether store owners join the 3/50 Project, Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, American Independent Business Alliance, MainStreet or create their own local campaign, the key is: If you want to help your business and your local economy thrive, GET INVOLVED. You as retailers, and you as consumers, need to be proactive.

Posted by Caroline Kennedy on June 30, 2009 | Comments (1)

July 20, 2009

In response to: Buy Local Campaigns Get National Focus
BGarnes commented:

This is what the minority communities did back in the 1980's and 90's. It's called Turning to ourselves to survive. Supporting local biz was quite effective because the rest of the country was reporting how bad business was for dept stores. But at the grass roots level things were "popping"! Small businesses and designers were creating what a niche market wanted. JCP spent $millions on a survey to find out what would make minorities shop with them. Yes the local dollar is powerful! I’m from the other side of the table – manufacturing and wholesale sector. I will be doing business differently this August. Retailers looking for new products > SoHe Designs will showcase home decor line at 11 Penn Plaza. see www.sohedesigngroup.com/event