I know most Decaturites don’t need much encouragement to shop locally because they understand the value of supporting the local community. And most would agree that our local shops and restaurants make Decatur a great place to work and live. There’s little doubt that local shops and restaurants improve the quality of a community, but it’s hard to quantify that value.
That being said, I just discovered an organization that creatively sums up the quantitative value of shopping locally. It’s called The 3/50 Project. What does it stand for? Pick 3. Spend $50. Save your local economy.
In other words, pick three local businesses that you want to support and spend a total of $50 at those businesses each month. If half the employed population in the nation spent $50 every month in locally owned businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays local.
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t shop at national chains. Instead, The 3/50 project encourages consummers to spend $50 of their budget each month at three locally owned shops. So next time you need a last minute birthday card or gift, stop by one of Decatur’s giftshops or boutiques.
To learn more about the 3/50 Project visit their website or click on the logo above.
Great idea- I probably do that anyway, but will make it a point to spend $50 in three stores.
[…] you live/shop/work in a city with so many great indies. To keep that feeling going, check out the post I wrote on the 3/50 Project almost a year ago. Also, National Independent Retailers Week is coming […]