As I was reading a magazine geared toward retailers, I came across a wonderful movement called The 3/50 Project. For those of us who own local businesses, and those who love and support local businesses, this project presents a completely manageable approach to doing our part to help local economies.
It all began with the thought, “which 3 local businesses would I hate to see disappear?” If you are the kind of person, as I am, who is sorry to see that a local store has closed but can’t remember the last time you shopped there, the 3/50 Project is truly an eye-opener. If we love our local businesses, and are interested in seeing our local economy flourish, we can’t forget to do our part– which means patronizing some of those businesses on a regular basis. Spending as little as $20 a month at two or three of them, or $50 between three, will make a bigger impact than we can imagine! According to The 3/50 Project’s website, “if half the employed population of the U.S. spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.” In addition, for each $100 spent locally $63 returns to the area’s economy, while only $43 stays from a purchase at a national chain, and nothing from an internet purchase.
There’s a lot at stake in our local economies. In Michigan in particular, where the unemployment rates remain painfully high and many communities are suffering from the collapse of industries that have supported them for generations, it is particularly important that we become committed to our local businesses. Here at David & Bathsheba, and at many other stores in the area, free Local First Business Directories are available to help us do our part. These directories are a fabulous resource, listing hundreds of local business in every area imaginable– everything from arts & entertainment to grocery, real estate, non-profits, and building & design. The directory even includes a list of “Top 10 Reasons to Shop Local First” and graphs giving a break-down of how your locally-spent money impacts the economy. You can visit localfirst.com for more information, or stop in and ask for a Business Directory.
Want more information on The 3/50 Project? Click the icon below, and get started doing your part to save your local economy!
Happy heroic shopping,
–Gail
