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Greetings!
As a service to our members (and all small independent merchants), Retail Alliance has created a buy local campaign called "Go where the locals shop." This is intended to encourage consumers to make a conscious decision to buy from their neighbors. The launch coincides with National Independents Week, July 1-7. The campaign and associated materials have a much longer shelf life.
Small independent businesses are a primary economic driver. Small businesses pay 45% of the total US payroll and have generated 60-80% of the net new jobs every year for the past decade. Large businesses have cut employees; small businesses are holding their own. Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees provide work for 41 million Americans. It
is estimated that of $100 spent with a locally owned business, $68 remains in the community in the way of wages, taxes, etc.
More than 99% of Retail Alliance members are small independent operations. According to BusinessWeek, such campaigns help not only businesses, but communities as well by keeping much-needed tax dollars in the area, by keeping cities vibrant, and by strengthening employment since local businesses are likely to employ local residents.
Public service announcements have been sent to all media outlets in the Retail Alliance service area and media have been made aware of story ideas showcasing local independent merchants and how they are successfully competing with national stores.
All Retail Alliance merchants are invited to participate in the campaign by displaying the "Go where the locals shop" window decal. Informational cards are also available and by visiting the Retail Alliance website, members can take advantage of associated advertising co-ops. |
