The premise of Shift Your Shopping is simple. Instead of shopping online and/or at big box and chain retailers, consumers are asked to shop at their local small businesses instead this holiday season.
"We're asking community residents to shift your purchases of food, cards, gifts, flowers and other holiday purchases to where it matters most, from your friends and neighbors at locally-owned businesses," said Joe Grafton, director of Somerville Local First in Massachusetts. "And while you're at it, see some familiar faces and enjoy the experience" (Flea Market Zone).
Shift Your Shopping is a coalition of over 41,000 locally owned, independent retailers across the United States and Canada dedicated to encouraging the purchase of holiday gifts from independent businesses.
Edmonton's Live Local is a great example of a coordinated shop local campaign.
Does this sort of Shop Local campaign work? Yes! A study conducted last year by the Institute for Local Self Reliance revealed that independent businesses in communities executing long-term "buy local and independent" campaigns run by grassroots groups averaged a strong 7.2 percent revenue increase over the previous year despite slow economic growth - nearly triple the 2.6 percent increase reported by independent businesses in areas lacking such campaigns.
Get in on the action by visiting the Shift Your Shopping website and accessing the resources there to promote Shift Your Shopping in your community.
Other Small Business Shopping Campaigns
- National Buy Local Week - November 25 to December 4
- Small Business Saturday - November 26
Other Ways to Support Local Small Businesses
- Attract More Customers Through Cross-Promotion
- Why You Should Carry Other People's Business Cards
- Green Procurement: The 100 Mile Diet for Your Business
Logo courtesy Shift Your Shopping
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