George Nemeth · Larry @ CityBuddha.com asks us to support local independent retailers

December 9th, 2008

My friend Larry sent out this email. Even though we’re friends, if you’ve been reading BFD for any period of time, you’ll know that this is an important message that people like Ed Morrison and Holly Harlan of E4S have been talking about for years. It’s especially poignant today:

Remember that it is many of your local merchants who donate to or sponsor events with organizations that you are familiar with. Studies show a large percentage of dollars stay in a community when you BUY LOCAL vs. leaving the state with an online or big box purchase. Sadly, if a local store closes, it not only becomes an empty storefront (in this economy, they’re not lining up to rent spaces) but the trickle down from this loss affects many – the local accountant, lawyer, insurance broker and printer to name a few. So you really know many who are or would be affected by the closing of a local “Mom and Pop”.

PLEASE during this holiday season… try to spread the “Good Gospel”… support your local bookstore, record shop, boutique, hardware store, coffee shop, and toy store. Shop at the galleries and support local artists. Go out and support the small music clubs that hire local musicians. Eat at independent restaurants. Put the word out on the street. Forward this email. Tell your neighbors, friends and coworkers. Teach your kids about the importance of supporting local businesses. It’s all about education and awareness. Buy multiple gift certificates in small amounts to give away this holiday season…

City Buddha: Consider Supporting Local Independents Retailers this holiday/a>

Last 5 posts by George Nemeth

You might also like:

Category: Economic Development
7 Comments »

7 Responses to “Larry @ CityBuddha.com asks us to support local independent retailers”

  1. Shannon Okey Says:
    December 9th, 2008 at 8:15 pm

    We’re seeing a little bit of slowness at Stitch Cleveland (stitchcleveland.com, located in Lakewood) but not a lot — our customers could easily find much of what we sell online but they choose to shop local, which is wonderful.

    I anticipate that Bazaar Bizarre will be packed this weekend, and that’s another great place to support local artists (bazaarbizarre.org/cleveland)

  2. John Ettorre Says:
    December 9th, 2008 at 8:50 pm

    Please remember to include local independent bookstores in this at the holidays. After the onslaught of the big chains, Borders and B&N, and then Amazon, it’s stunning that any have even survived (some would call Joseph-Beth an indy, but I wouldn’t). But about a half dozen have nevertheless survived. You’ll find them named in the link below. We’ve just lost three in the last year alone.

    http://workingwithwords.blogspot.com/2006/11/support-independents-still-i-have.html

  3. Thomas Mulready Says:
    December 9th, 2008 at 9:38 pm

    Cool Cleveland is once again publishing our Holiday Buying Guide, featuring local artists, artisans and entrepreneurs exclusively. Categories include Arts & Crafts; Books, Music & Film; Outdoors, Health & Wellness; Wearable Art; Fashion, Style & Boutiques; Sustenance; and Sundries. All local.

    If we’re missing your business, send us a note EVENTS@CoolCleveland.com. This is by far the most-clicked link on Cool Cleveland. We’re convinced there is a lot of energy for buying local, but we have to compete with multi-million dollar ad campaigns for the big boxes.

    http://www.coolcleveland.com/index.php?n=Main.CoolClevelandHolidayGuide

  4. michael feigenbaum Says:
    December 10th, 2008 at 11:37 am

    if locals do not shop local in huge numbers this holiday there will be wholesale closings by mid january
    the local small businesses are on the edge of the cliff and will go down. no one wants to hear it. no one wants to see it. but that is the reality.we need wallmart hoards in every little shop and restaurant or else there will only be empty storefronts in every neighborhood including suburban strips and “lifestyle” centers. i have been in business for 20 yrs. this is the worst it gets.humbug but true.the real sad fact is even with booming sales like i am having this month the cost of operating is leaving no profit just deficit spending to keep the doors open.

  5. Jan Rodems Says:
    December 10th, 2008 at 3:46 pm

    I have supported City Buddha since it first opened on the other side of town and thrilled it is on Coventry and hope it will always be there.

    I hope that all the holiday shoppers will take the extra time to support our independent merchants with CASH if possible. The bank fees for credit card payments really do add up!! Please take cash….and check out the beaded necklaces ..matching bracelets….and great THai silk scarves….my Gal Pals were thrilled with their Birthday gifts last night!!!

    Keep our independent Cleveland restaurants in mind too!!!
    Peace, Jan

  6. Myra Orenstein Says:
    December 10th, 2008 at 4:03 pm

    Remember to dine at the wonderful locally owned and operated northeast Ohio restaurants, too. Just as big box retailers tend to be more obvious choices, so, too are the corporate restaurants. Support the true flavors of northeast Ohio. Make reservations or stop in at a Cleveland Independents restaurant today! These are local folks who are supporting our local economy and hiring our friends, neighbors and relatives…and besides…the food is soo much better!

  7. Joel Libava Says:
    December 16th, 2008 at 4:11 am

    Yes.
    Please support all of our local small businesses.Including:
    Local web consultants, writers, business consultants, lawyers, and accountants etc.

    Folks, even franchises are local businesses! A local resident took a loan out most likely at a local bank, used local attorneys and accountants to set up shop, pays local taxes, and lives locally.

    I approve of this message.

    Joel Libava
    LOCAL franchise consultant
    LOCAL small business owner