"Big Things Come From Small Boxes" - Shop Local
West Chicago, Illinois: November 26, 2013 РAs a proud supporter of local business, and a national shop local movement known as The 3/50 Project, the City of West Chicago is reminding the community that "big things come from small small boxes". The message is intended to encourage West Chicago residents to buy seasonal items including clothing, home d̩cor, tree trimming and gift items from West Chicago businesses this holiday. It also encourages patronage at local service businesses and restaurants.
The 3/50 Project makes it simple to understand how to help. Choose three locally owned independent businesses and spend a combined total of $50 for all three once a month. It's a realistic, balanced approach that creates serious positive impact. According to Minneapolis-based retail consultant and The 3/50 Project founder Cinda Baxter, for every $100 spent in locally owned stores, $68 remains in the local economy. In contrast, only $43 of every $100 remains local when spent in national chains, and little or no local revenue results from online purchases. While the program doesn't discourage purchases from big box stores, it stresses a balanced approach to spending.
Support for local business is critical to maintaining a stable economy in any community and for many brick and mortar businesses, fourth quarter sales can make or break them and determine whether they can keep their doors open the following year. Special events that bring the community downtown, like Frosty Fest on Saturday, December 7, 2013, are opportunities for the community to stop in at local merchants, say hello and consider making a purchase that will make them smile, and show their support for the business.
Baxter has created a series of public service announcements for radio that drive home the message. For more information about The 3/50 Project, visit www.the350project.net. For a complete schedule of Frosty Fest highlights, visit http://www.westchicago.org/Community/documents/ScheduleFlyer2013.pdf.