From Greater Richmond Grid, Summer 2009
The Think. Shop. Buy. Local campaign [developed by Retail Merchants Association] includes local franchise and chain stores (which also contribute to the local economy by hiring local workers and paying local taxes) as well as independently owned businesses.
“The goal is to get people to be aware of their individual economic power or influence,” says Michael Guld, RMA board member and early proponent of the program. Guld sees a “triple win” for all players touched by the program.
Consumers benefit in better “hands-on” services provided by local merchants. “It’s not the price you pay,” he explains, “it’s the value you receive.”
“With the local investment, the business community can expand, creating jobs and providing a stronger local economy.”
Finally, Guld sees opportunities for the non-profit sector with its close ties to business. “Puritan Cleaners, Saxon Shoes, and Midas of Richmond all have done substantial work with various philanthropic groups or blood drives,” Guld notes.
RMA President/CEO, Nancy Thomas sees a lot of options for evolving the campaign into additional support for members and the community.
“As the campaign moves forward we envision retailers sharing promotional ideas through the Think. Shop. Buy. Local website to continue to drive traffic into their stores,” Thomas says. “Our hope is that our media partners will continue to provide advertising deals for our members utilizing the buy local brand which Retail Merchants has developed.”
Thomas explains the effort has begun to show results. “We already feel a sense of unity from this shop local movement and a real sense of engagement from the community.”
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