It is officially December, and while holiday music has already been playing for a month, people across the nation are now wondering how— with the current economic climate— can we make the holidays affordable?
One of the best ways to do that is to purchase as many of your holiday gifts locally rather than drive an hour or more away to a big box store, or by shopping online.
Last year, the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) released data from a study conducted by the SUNY Plattsburgh Small Business Center that found for every $100 spent locally, $68 remains in the community.
This is compared to making a $100 purchase at a large chain retailer in a larger market where $43 remains.
Such web movements as the 3/50 Project and shiftyourshopping.org also tout the overall benefits to a community by shopping locally.
The mission of the 3/50 Project is to “Save the brick and mortars our nation is built on.” It suggests that you ask yourself what three independently owned local businesses you would miss if they disappeared, then make a conscious effort to stop by, say hello, and make a purchase or support them in another way. It’s your purchases that will keep them in business.
It also presents the value of spending $50 each month at a locally owned independent business.
According to statistics compiled by the U.S. Labor Department in 2009, more than $42.6 billion in revenue would be generated if half the employed population spent just $50 locally.
Keep in mind when you’re making out your Christmas lists, to pick three and spend 50. It could save your local economy.
