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If half the employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion* in revenue [$25 each month would be 21.3 billion]. Imagine the positive impact if ¾ the employed population did that68...
For every $100 spent in locally owned independent store, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.1 ...
The number of people it takes to start the trend…you.Text & Art Copyright Forever Upward 2009; all rights reserved.
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Why am I supporting this cause?
I am thinking of the wonderful little green-grocer I used to frequent ...they knew us by name...saved the little grapes we like so much...and always commented on how much the children had grown. Where is it now? Out of business. Why? Because it couldn’t compete with the big supermarket that opened nearby.
I am thinking of the tiny, independent clothing store that my daughters used to shop at (finding the prettiest little shirts for under $10) it too is now gone.
I am thinking of my favorite independent nursery that couldn't compete with Home Depot, Target and Wal-Mart. I learned how to garden from the kind souls at that wonderful place. It is now gone as well.
Please know that I am not advocating that you spend fifty-dollars a month unnecessarily. However, when you do need to spend, perhaps try to spread a little of your necessary purchases at the local independent shops. I have seen too many close in these last few years.
Many had been around for decades.
While I am a huge advocate for shopping local, obviously I won't stop buying on-line, or at my favorite discount store. That being said, I will make a conscious effort not to neglect the local merchants…as they do tend to be forgotten when we’re in a hurry…and if enough people forget about them they will disappear.
To participate and/or learn more please visit this link: http://www.the350project.org/home.html
*Employment statistics courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor 2/6/09
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10 comments:
I love this!!! I will share this with everyone I know and send letters to local newspaper editors!!! thanks... found your bolg today and you impressed me right off the bat...looking forward to reading more (and sharing it of course!!)
I love your name!! Thank you for the encouragement and the great support...and...of course...for spreading the word!
Warmly,
Tracey
P.S. Almost forgot to say "thank you" for the kind words about the blog! So...THANKS VERY MUCH! They are very appreciated.
Excellent reminder. I am an excellent supporter of the local garage sale and small shops too (we just don't have many.) If I can't get what I need locally then I buy from moms on the Internet usually via Etsy.
I love this idea. I may link.
I too try so hard to keep as much business as possible in our downtown, because it is what makes our town so great - I would hate to see it die.
wow, Tracey, this is a great cause! i will definitely post about this. this is so important for us to help support these small businesses. especially the ones that have been in our neighborhoods forever. there's nothing like someone knowing your name, that's special, that's community. thank you for this post. i enjoy shopping from the small businesses anyway. you find the best fruits and vegetable and fun items. my family and i shop at the local outdoor farmer markets in the area. we also support small businesses and garage sells, you find the best stuff. small businesses is what makes the community so we should take responsibility to help keep them going. this is why i heart you so much, because you are so caring and a super duper inspiration. :)
talk to you soon!
God Bless,
Charmaine
This is such a good cause! We try very hard to support our local businesses. We even had a campaign to keep Wal-Mart out of our downtown area that's being revitalized.
Manuela
I agree that if you need something, it's nice to make an effort to buy it locally. I recently needed a baking tray. Instead of heading to the giant national chain Zellers, I wandered downtown into a cute home store. The woman and I had a lovely conversation and I supported a local business. It's such a pleasant experience. I'm definitely making an effort to buy groceries where local too. It doesn't even necessarily mean you have to spend more, either!
what a neat idea...........will think about doing this.....
Gill in Canada
i LOVE that there is a movement out there for this! I can't tell you how many restaurants come and go where I live. It's so sad. Those are all someone's dreams, ya know? Would you mind if I copy parts of this. Of course, crediting you. Let me know cause I want to spread the word too!
this is a wonderful reminder Tracey. thank you for posting it.
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