localism

How to save local, independent bricks and mortar businesses in the face of big-box and Internet retailing?  Former retailer and now consultant Cinda Baxter had a great idea in March 2009 that led her to start The 350 Project, a marketing initiative to promote consumer patronage of local businesses and give visibility to the idea of "buying local."  The basic idea is that you should pick three local businesses that you would hate to see disappear, and then spend $50 a month at those and other independent local businesses.  The aggregate benefits for local businesses could be impressive.

As the project’s website points out, if half of the employed population in the U.S. did that, it would generate $42.6 billion in revenue.  That could be quite a boost to local bricks-and-mortar businesses at a time when Internet retailers and big-box stores are grabbing so much market share.  And the local community would benefit as well:  For every $100 spent on retail purchases, a national retail chain leaves behind only $43 (in payroll, taxes, etc.) while an independent local retailer returns $68 to the community.