Total Pageviews
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Show Mom Some Local Love this Mother’s Day.Independent We Stand | Independent We Stand
Show Mom Some Local Love this Mother's Day.
Click on photos to read what they say. Very Funny stuff.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Will Wal-Mart stand up and do right?
If you follow me you know how I feel about buying local. In case you have not noticed I do speak negative about big box stores. I fully understand they are a benefit to a small degree(offering jobs). I myself occasionally shop at these stores for certain items but only because I currently do not have a local independant store around for those items. I believe, as many studies have proven that they actually have brought more problems economically in most small communities. Local communities gave them wide open passages to build in their cities with huge tax incentives etc, and yes some jobs. They succeded eventually in all those communities to bury small independant businesses whom were unable to compete at first.
Finally the national trend of bringing the people in local communities back to small independantly run busineses is on the rise. I could give you a book worth of reasons for that,but today I want you to read this study and see how you feel about it. Will Wal-Mart and others do whats right according to this report?!!!
__________________________________________________________________________
Raising the pay of Wal-Mart's U.S. workers to a minimum of $12 an hour would lift many out of poverty, reduce their reliance on public assistance, and cost the average consumer, at most, $12.49 a year.
That's the conclusion of a new study published by the UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education. The study is primarily concerned with the question of how raising Wal-Mart's wages would affect poor families, including both those who work at its stores and those who shop at them. The benefits to poor families, the study concludes, would far exceed the costs.
Currently two-thirds of Wal-Mart workers — or about 900,000 employees — are paid less than $12 an hour. More than one-fifth earn less than $9. Overall, Wal-Mart's hourly workers earn 12.4 percent less than retail workers as a whole.
Bringing these employees up to a minimum of $12 an hour would boost their annual income by $1,670 to $6,500 (depending on whether they are full- or part-time and their current pay rate). That amounts to a 37 percent increase on average for those earning less than $9, and a 14-16 percent increase on average for those making $9-12 an hour.
The study found that 41 percent of this additional income would flow to families at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line.
Setting a $12 minimum wage at Wal-Mart would increase the company's payroll costs by $3.2 billion a year. Some of this would likely be offset by increased labor productivity due to higher morale, lower turnover, and lower absenteeism. The rest could be absorbed through reduced profits. Wal-Mart posted a profit of $16.4 billion in 2010.
If Wal-Mart opted instead to pass the full cost on to consumers, it would need to raise its prices by 1.1 percent. The study found that 28 percent of this price increase would be borne by families at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, but the cost per family would be modest. The average consumer, who spends $1,187 a year at Wal-Mart, would pay an additional $12.49.
In passing, the study provides some interesting data on where Wal-Mart's sales come from. Although Wal-Mart is commonly thought of as a chain that serves poor and low-income shoppers, 35 percent of its sales come from families earning more than $70,000 a year. Nearly one-fifth of its revenue derives from those with incomes of $100,000 or more.
__________________________________________________________________________
Info provided by:
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/newrulesproject
Finally the national trend of bringing the people in local communities back to small independantly run busineses is on the rise. I could give you a book worth of reasons for that,but today I want you to read this study and see how you feel about it. Will Wal-Mart and others do whats right according to this report?!!!
__________________________________________________________________________
Raising the pay of Wal-Mart's U.S. workers to a minimum of $12 an hour would lift many out of poverty, reduce their reliance on public assistance, and cost the average consumer, at most, $12.49 a year.
That's the conclusion of a new study published by the UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education. The study is primarily concerned with the question of how raising Wal-Mart's wages would affect poor families, including both those who work at its stores and those who shop at them. The benefits to poor families, the study concludes, would far exceed the costs.
Currently two-thirds of Wal-Mart workers — or about 900,000 employees — are paid less than $12 an hour. More than one-fifth earn less than $9. Overall, Wal-Mart's hourly workers earn 12.4 percent less than retail workers as a whole.
Bringing these employees up to a minimum of $12 an hour would boost their annual income by $1,670 to $6,500 (depending on whether they are full- or part-time and their current pay rate). That amounts to a 37 percent increase on average for those earning less than $9, and a 14-16 percent increase on average for those making $9-12 an hour.
The study found that 41 percent of this additional income would flow to families at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line.
Setting a $12 minimum wage at Wal-Mart would increase the company's payroll costs by $3.2 billion a year. Some of this would likely be offset by increased labor productivity due to higher morale, lower turnover, and lower absenteeism. The rest could be absorbed through reduced profits. Wal-Mart posted a profit of $16.4 billion in 2010.
If Wal-Mart opted instead to pass the full cost on to consumers, it would need to raise its prices by 1.1 percent. The study found that 28 percent of this price increase would be borne by families at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, but the cost per family would be modest. The average consumer, who spends $1,187 a year at Wal-Mart, would pay an additional $12.49.
In passing, the study provides some interesting data on where Wal-Mart's sales come from. Although Wal-Mart is commonly thought of as a chain that serves poor and low-income shoppers, 35 percent of its sales come from families earning more than $70,000 a year. Nearly one-fifth of its revenue derives from those with incomes of $100,000 or more.
__________________________________________________________________________
Info provided by:
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/newrulesproject
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Do You Support Your Locally Owned Independant Businesses?
I do because I know what an impact it makes on local communities across our great nation. I also do because I'm an Independent Small Business that needs the support of the local community to survive and know others need my support.
But what if you’re not a small local business owner – and what if you aren’t aspiring to be one? Should you be supporting those in your neighborhood? Why? And how?
If every family in the country spent just $10 per month with a locally-owned, independent business instead of a national chain store, over $9.3 billion would be directly returned to local economies. That means better schools, better roads, more support for police, fire and rescue departments and ultimately, stronger local economies.
Studies have shown that retailers in cities with active buy-local initiatives had year-over-year revenue gains that were more than twice those of retailers in cities without such initiatives.
Food for thought: What’s your take? Are local businesses critical to growth in your community? And, is there a local business in your area worth giving a shout out to? Tell your friends and neighbors who they are and why – that’s one thing you can do today.
Here in New Albany we have a non-profit organization now forming called New Albany First and tonight I attended a meeting to meet the startup committee and give financial support to their startup. That was my hard working money going to a cause that is much needed for our community.
I would like to know why more were not in attendance since I hear so many people talk about what New Albany needs to prosper and what I know is a win win opportunity. Talk is cheap, what are you doing or willing to do to change what has always been and what could be a reality?
Also would have been nice for our city representatives to show some public support--maybe they are too busy running for re-election right now. This town needs more than one organization promoting New Albany-we all have an interest in whats best for our community don't we? Just a thought, maybe the flexibility of all these working together when possible could work. Each one is reaching for what is best for New Albany are they not? Besides I was always taught the more ideas and talent behind the ideas the better chance you have at succeeding.
If interested in helping our community in prospering jump on the bandwagon and support New Albany First . Don't sitback and wait to see what happens then decide to join, we need you now for our future.
PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HOUSE IS
But what if you’re not a small local business owner – and what if you aren’t aspiring to be one? Should you be supporting those in your neighborhood? Why? And how?
If every family in the country spent just $10 per month with a locally-owned, independent business instead of a national chain store, over $9.3 billion would be directly returned to local economies. That means better schools, better roads, more support for police, fire and rescue departments and ultimately, stronger local economies.
Studies have shown that retailers in cities with active buy-local initiatives had year-over-year revenue gains that were more than twice those of retailers in cities without such initiatives.
Food for thought: What’s your take? Are local businesses critical to growth in your community? And, is there a local business in your area worth giving a shout out to? Tell your friends and neighbors who they are and why – that’s one thing you can do today.
Here in New Albany we have a non-profit organization now forming called New Albany First and tonight I attended a meeting to meet the startup committee and give financial support to their startup. That was my hard working money going to a cause that is much needed for our community.
I would like to know why more were not in attendance since I hear so many people talk about what New Albany needs to prosper and what I know is a win win opportunity. Talk is cheap, what are you doing or willing to do to change what has always been and what could be a reality?
Also would have been nice for our city representatives to show some public support--maybe they are too busy running for re-election right now. This town needs more than one organization promoting New Albany-we all have an interest in whats best for our community don't we? Just a thought, maybe the flexibility of all these working together when possible could work. Each one is reaching for what is best for New Albany are they not? Besides I was always taught the more ideas and talent behind the ideas the better chance you have at succeeding.
If interested in helping our community in prospering jump on the bandwagon and support New Albany First . Don't sitback and wait to see what happens then decide to join, we need you now for our future.
PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HOUSE IS
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Friday April 22nd---Earth Day
Earth Day Celebrations encourage us to go "Green" which is great.
We collectors have been doing that as long as we have collected Antiques and Collectibles. How you say?!! We recycle furniture saving trees and power, and we use old pottery, silver, jewelry, cookie jars, wood doors, clothing,fireplace mantels etc etc etc. We also repurpose some items in a way not intended originally, but what works for us today. Some artists take old and create something wonderful by reusing discarded bits and pieces. We are ahead of the "Green Movement" and deserve to pat each other on the back. Come join us, your welcome, and know if you love collecting it can be a lifetime committment of being "Green".
Not into Antiques and Collectibles?
Well I have a hard time processing that, but there are many areas in all our lives where we could go greener. Just consider where something comes from and what all is involved in its being made and delivered into your hands. What about the packaging alone? Also think about where it goes when you are done and how it effects our enviornment in the long term.
A definate trend in our nation is buying more at Farmers Markets. Local home grown fruits and vegetables,homemade jellies or relishes,handmade art,jewelry,clothing,items from fresh ingredients such as soap or body lotions.
We collectors have been doing that as long as we have collected Antiques and Collectibles. How you say?!! We recycle furniture saving trees and power, and we use old pottery, silver, jewelry, cookie jars, wood doors, clothing,fireplace mantels etc etc etc. We also repurpose some items in a way not intended originally, but what works for us today. Some artists take old and create something wonderful by reusing discarded bits and pieces. We are ahead of the "Green Movement" and deserve to pat each other on the back. Come join us, your welcome, and know if you love collecting it can be a lifetime committment of being "Green".
Not into Antiques and Collectibles?
Well I have a hard time processing that, but there are many areas in all our lives where we could go greener. Just consider where something comes from and what all is involved in its being made and delivered into your hands. What about the packaging alone? Also think about where it goes when you are done and how it effects our enviornment in the long term.
A definate trend in our nation is buying more at Farmers Markets. Local home grown fruits and vegetables,homemade jellies or relishes,handmade art,jewelry,clothing,items from fresh ingredients such as soap or body lotions.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Another Big Box Store RipOff ???????
Know what this is? If you answered "a dingy old tennis racket that you can buy at any yard sale for $2.50" you'd be right. But what a sexy photograph! Who is spending big bucks making used sporting goods look so fantastic?
Pottery Barn....ack!!! Described as bearing "the rare character and timeworn beauty of a vintage piece," you can buy their "PotteryBarn Found Tennis Racket" for the bargain price of $199.
TWO HUNDRED BUCKS??!!!??!! Plus $21 shipping, of course.
The antiques trade needs to find these buyers. Seriously. We could joke about them having more money then sense, but the reality is, anyone who would buy this item from Pottery Barn has a desire for vintage and antique, and they are willing to spend money to satisfy that desire. Their problem is simply that they don't know that we exist ???. We need to seek these folks out and get them to Antique Shops,Malls,Auctions and/or Antique Shows and Flea Markets.
(Yes, by the way, the nifty objects next to the tennis racket are simply old books with their covers torn off and bound with string....nice.)
Pottery Barn....ack!!! Described as bearing "the rare character and timeworn beauty of a vintage piece," you can buy their "PotteryBarn Found Tennis Racket" for the bargain price of $199.
TWO HUNDRED BUCKS??!!!??!! Plus $21 shipping, of course.
The antiques trade needs to find these buyers. Seriously. We could joke about them having more money then sense, but the reality is, anyone who would buy this item from Pottery Barn has a desire for vintage and antique, and they are willing to spend money to satisfy that desire. Their problem is simply that they don't know that we exist ???. We need to seek these folks out and get them to Antique Shops,Malls,Auctions and/or Antique Shows and Flea Markets.
(Yes, by the way, the nifty objects next to the tennis racket are simply old books with their covers torn off and bound with string....nice.)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Easter Spending – Hop to Shop Local
BUY LOCAL or the BUNNY gets it!!
Early estimates indicate the Easter Bunny will spend more than $13.03 billion* filling baskets this year. Independent We Stand is encouraging the Bunny to shop in locally-owned candy shops, bakeries and toy stores this year to have a more profound impact on local communities. Or how about buying vintage Easter Collectibles from your favorite Antique Shop?
If that spending were all directed to independent shops and businesses, it is estimated that nearly $8.86 billion** of those dollars would return right back into local economies, building better schools, infrastructure and community.
Early estimates indicate the Easter Bunny will spend more than $13.03 billion* filling baskets this year. Independent We Stand is encouraging the Bunny to shop in locally-owned candy shops, bakeries and toy stores this year to have a more profound impact on local communities. Or how about buying vintage Easter Collectibles from your favorite Antique Shop?
If that spending were all directed to independent shops and businesses, it is estimated that nearly $8.86 billion** of those dollars would return right back into local economies, building better schools, infrastructure and community.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
BUY LOCAL
BUYING LOCAL(Independently Owned Businesses)--Why?--Who Benefits?
Why so many notes about buying local lately you ask?!!
It's been proven nationally buying local is the best chance we have as a nation to prosper and rebuild what we have lost, one community at a time. Buying Local is not buying in any store in your zipcode area,but rather buying from the independently owned and operated businesses in a community.
_______________________________________________
Don't believe me,find out for yourself by following
Independant We Stand
http://www.independentwestand.org/
or
https://www.facebook.com/independentwestand?ref=tsor
or
(also a list of our local independent businesses that have listed themselves go to this page to find them by entering your zipcode)
http://www.independentwestand.org/support-independent-business/search/?iwszc=47150&search.x=13&search.y=9
The 3/50 Project
https://www.facebook.com/The350Project?ref=ts
New Albany First (our own local group of businesses forming a non-profit organization for buying local)
"https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Albany-First/142589112460702?ref=ts
_____________________________________________________
I could list many more groups in local communities all across our nation that have discovered the benefits of buying local when possible instead of at Big Box Stores. Yes we do still need chain stores in our economies and sometimes what we need or are looking for can only be found shopping at their stores.
Seriously consider in these hard times where your spendable cash goes and to what or to whom's benefit. You hear alot about globalization from large and small corporations,even our national and local politicians. Sorry, but that has led to corporations leaving our soil,loss of jobs,inferior and/or unhealthy products. It has helped with world trade but at a cost, I'm not willing to accept myself. How about You? It has mostly benefited the powerful and and already wealthy to become more powerful and wealthy.
All I can say,taken from old fashion quotes and lifes experience, is to be successfull in life
"Never put all your eggs in just one basket" or "Always invest in more than one arena"
___________________________________________
Locally owned operated businesses support our community in many ways and more so than national run Big Box stores or Online Internet stores.
HOW YOU ASK?
We pay TAXES locally
We provide JOBS ( we actually account for 75% of all new jobs)
We contirbute to and sponsor COMMUNITY EVENTS
We are your real NEIGHBORS and FRIENDS
We offer up-close PERSONAL SERVICE
We restore and maintain our HISTORIC BUILDINGS when setup in HISTORIC DISTRICTS
We offer and make UNIQUE ENVIORNMENTS
We prefer SPENDING OUR MONEY at other INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES,which is investing in our community
We help and STAND BY our communities in hard times instead of leaving town for a more prosperous area
__________________________________
68% of every dollar spent in a independent local business stays in the Community compared to 43% spent at a national chain.
According to a recent survey, 93% of consumers (YOU) believe small businesses do add value to the local community they live in.
Why so many notes about buying local lately you ask?!!
It's been proven nationally buying local is the best chance we have as a nation to prosper and rebuild what we have lost, one community at a time. Buying Local is not buying in any store in your zipcode area,but rather buying from the independently owned and operated businesses in a community.
_______________________________________________
Don't believe me,find out for yourself by following
Independant We Stand
http://www.independentwestand.org/
or
https://www.facebook.com/independentwestand?ref=tsor
or
(also a list of our local independent businesses that have listed themselves go to this page to find them by entering your zipcode)
http://www.independentwestand.org/support-independent-business/search/?iwszc=47150&search.x=13&search.y=9
The 3/50 Project
https://www.facebook.com/The350Project?ref=ts
New Albany First (our own local group of businesses forming a non-profit organization for buying local)
"https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Albany-First/142589112460702?ref=ts
_____________________________________________________
I could list many more groups in local communities all across our nation that have discovered the benefits of buying local when possible instead of at Big Box Stores. Yes we do still need chain stores in our economies and sometimes what we need or are looking for can only be found shopping at their stores.
Seriously consider in these hard times where your spendable cash goes and to what or to whom's benefit. You hear alot about globalization from large and small corporations,even our national and local politicians. Sorry, but that has led to corporations leaving our soil,loss of jobs,inferior and/or unhealthy products. It has helped with world trade but at a cost, I'm not willing to accept myself. How about You? It has mostly benefited the powerful and and already wealthy to become more powerful and wealthy.
All I can say,taken from old fashion quotes and lifes experience, is to be successfull in life
"Never put all your eggs in just one basket" or "Always invest in more than one arena"
___________________________________________
Locally owned operated businesses support our community in many ways and more so than national run Big Box stores or Online Internet stores.
HOW YOU ASK?
We pay TAXES locally
We provide JOBS ( we actually account for 75% of all new jobs)
We contirbute to and sponsor COMMUNITY EVENTS
We are your real NEIGHBORS and FRIENDS
We offer up-close PERSONAL SERVICE
We restore and maintain our HISTORIC BUILDINGS when setup in HISTORIC DISTRICTS
We offer and make UNIQUE ENVIORNMENTS
We prefer SPENDING OUR MONEY at other INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES,which is investing in our community
We help and STAND BY our communities in hard times instead of leaving town for a more prosperous area
__________________________________
68% of every dollar spent in a independent local business stays in the Community compared to 43% spent at a national chain.
According to a recent survey, 93% of consumers (YOU) believe small businesses do add value to the local community they live in.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Visit our Facebook Page&View Photo Album "For You" or "Are You Into Easter Collectibles"
Photo Album "For You"---We spent at least 18 hours of work to add new merchandise and rearrange items for a whole lot of new displays. We unloaded two vans and a truck worth. The album only scratches the surface.
Photo Album "Are You Into Easter Collectibles" shows the large amount of Easter Collectibles we have available also.
So come see,either in person or thru the albums.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Moon & Star Glassware
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Society of Moon and Stars Pattern Glassware has officially announced its annual show and sale to be held Saturday, June 25 2011, in Little Rock, Ark.
Originating in 1880 with the Adams Glass Company, Moon and Star pattern glassware has become one of the most popular patterns in vintage glassware collecting. Collectors have long been drawn to the distinct “moon” and “star” pattern and eventually to the electric colors, ranging from ruby red, amber, green, colonial blue, amberina, cobalt blue or the original crystal clear.
The Society of Moon and Star Pattern Glass has hundreds of members from all over the U.S. and Canada. The group meets annually for a show, sale and convention. This year’s event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Presidential Hotel at 600 Interstate 30. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.
The photo is of what we have available in the shop
Originating in 1880 with the Adams Glass Company, Moon and Star pattern glassware has become one of the most popular patterns in vintage glassware collecting. Collectors have long been drawn to the distinct “moon” and “star” pattern and eventually to the electric colors, ranging from ruby red, amber, green, colonial blue, amberina, cobalt blue or the original crystal clear.
The Society of Moon and Star Pattern Glass has hundreds of members from all over the U.S. and Canada. The group meets annually for a show, sale and convention. This year’s event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Presidential Hotel at 600 Interstate 30. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.
The photo is of what we have available in the shop
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Wave--Current Trends--Renewing The American Dream
Economic trends happening across our great nation.
Where do you stand? Something to think about!!
Where do you stand? Something to think about!!
Community Voices: Anthony Flaccavento from Andy Morikawa on Vimeo.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Lets educate ourselves on what BUY LOCAL really means
http://alwaysupward.com/blog/local-is-about-more-than-a-zip-code/#more-5112
“Local” is about more than a zip code
When “buy local”/”shop local” messaging hit its stride two years ago, big boxes and national chains quickly realized their corner on marketplace visibility was being eclipsed. Cost-conscious consumers were not only thinking about the price of an item, but the impact of where they purchased it. Before long, we saw mega-retailers repackaging the “buy local” message to include themselves—they’d procure broccoli from a nearby grower, then advertise themselves as part of the “local” movement. Carry meat packaged by a company located in a nearby town, then tell consumers they were buying “local.”
Uh yeah…not so much.
Well, Chapter Two of The Repackaging of Buy Local has begun to roll out, and it’s even more troubling.
To really understand its impact, we need to first remind ourselves what the phrase “buy local” was initially intended to mean. “Buy local,” “shop local,” local first,” and other similar tag lines focused on one of two things: The source of a product and/or the point of purchase—neither of which being a large, national corporate entity. These were “independent” businesses with no outside branded support. You know…the little guys.
When the economy slid south, then stayed there, consumers began thinking—actually thinking!–-about the impact of their spending habits. Sure, the majority are still frequenting big boxes for the best deal, but many have begun to recognize that convenience comes with its own price tag. Big boxes and national chains send their revenue out of town. Lots of it. Most of it. And that means less money for the folks who live in that community. For their fire department. The police department. The city streets.
Their quality of life.
Fast forward to Chapter Two.
Since the first attempt to jump on the local bandwagon fared poorly, a new game plan is being rolled out. Now, either on their own or with the help of community organizations, the message is being twisted by insinuation that “local” is all about location—which includes every single national chain and big box in town. This usurped version of “buy local” is being packaged as “Buy Mayberry” (or whatever the town’s name is), arguing that any purchase made with any business in town brings equal revenue home. Not so. Not even close.
Now…before someone begins throwing darts this direction…let me be clear. Not all “Buy Mayberry” programs include big boxes, franchises, and national chains. Many are built to support the merchants in town that are 100% locally owned, no national or regional branding, no outside corporate help. All local all the time. They give the most back. They should get the most attention.
But many are rolling out an ill-conceived message that spending with a nearby mega-store does as much financial good for the community as selecting an independent merchant. Which is simply not true.
From the study provided by Civic Economics:
For every $100 spent with a local, independent brick and mortar business, $68 returns to the local economy. Spend the same $100 with a big box or national chain and only $43 remains in the local economy.
Then, there’s the addition of internet sales, from The 3/50 Project:
Spend that same $100 online, and unless you live in the exact same community as the e-tailer, nothing comes home.
National chains bank out of town (for all but very few of us, out of state).
They don’t replenish business consumables via local stores.
They don’t bring new jobs to town; they displace that number of employees currently working for other local businesses.
When they make a charitable donation, it goes to the charity’s national office, not the local chapter (and certainly not the small non-profits who have no national office).
They don’t pay the same property tax rates small businesses do—theirs is negotiated lower.
They simply don’t put the money back into the town it comes from.
Yes, big boxes and national chains are here to stay, and yes, they play a role in the local economy. But I strongly advise any community considering a “Buy Mayberry” (or similar) promotion be very, very clear about who, exactly, it is they’re promoting.
If your plan includes big boxes and national chains, it’s not ”local.” It’s corporate. It’s about zip codes. And it will cost your community dearly long term.
That’s a pretty steep price to pay for short term, feel-good visibility.
“Local” is about more than a zip code
When “buy local”/”shop local” messaging hit its stride two years ago, big boxes and national chains quickly realized their corner on marketplace visibility was being eclipsed. Cost-conscious consumers were not only thinking about the price of an item, but the impact of where they purchased it. Before long, we saw mega-retailers repackaging the “buy local” message to include themselves—they’d procure broccoli from a nearby grower, then advertise themselves as part of the “local” movement. Carry meat packaged by a company located in a nearby town, then tell consumers they were buying “local.”
Uh yeah…not so much.
Well, Chapter Two of The Repackaging of Buy Local has begun to roll out, and it’s even more troubling.
To really understand its impact, we need to first remind ourselves what the phrase “buy local” was initially intended to mean. “Buy local,” “shop local,” local first,” and other similar tag lines focused on one of two things: The source of a product and/or the point of purchase—neither of which being a large, national corporate entity. These were “independent” businesses with no outside branded support. You know…the little guys.
When the economy slid south, then stayed there, consumers began thinking—actually thinking!–-about the impact of their spending habits. Sure, the majority are still frequenting big boxes for the best deal, but many have begun to recognize that convenience comes with its own price tag. Big boxes and national chains send their revenue out of town. Lots of it. Most of it. And that means less money for the folks who live in that community. For their fire department. The police department. The city streets.
Their quality of life.
Fast forward to Chapter Two.
Since the first attempt to jump on the local bandwagon fared poorly, a new game plan is being rolled out. Now, either on their own or with the help of community organizations, the message is being twisted by insinuation that “local” is all about location—which includes every single national chain and big box in town. This usurped version of “buy local” is being packaged as “Buy Mayberry” (or whatever the town’s name is), arguing that any purchase made with any business in town brings equal revenue home. Not so. Not even close.
Now…before someone begins throwing darts this direction…let me be clear. Not all “Buy Mayberry” programs include big boxes, franchises, and national chains. Many are built to support the merchants in town that are 100% locally owned, no national or regional branding, no outside corporate help. All local all the time. They give the most back. They should get the most attention.
But many are rolling out an ill-conceived message that spending with a nearby mega-store does as much financial good for the community as selecting an independent merchant. Which is simply not true.
From the study provided by Civic Economics:
For every $100 spent with a local, independent brick and mortar business, $68 returns to the local economy. Spend the same $100 with a big box or national chain and only $43 remains in the local economy.
Then, there’s the addition of internet sales, from The 3/50 Project:
Spend that same $100 online, and unless you live in the exact same community as the e-tailer, nothing comes home.
National chains bank out of town (for all but very few of us, out of state).
They don’t replenish business consumables via local stores.
They don’t bring new jobs to town; they displace that number of employees currently working for other local businesses.
When they make a charitable donation, it goes to the charity’s national office, not the local chapter (and certainly not the small non-profits who have no national office).
They don’t pay the same property tax rates small businesses do—theirs is negotiated lower.
They simply don’t put the money back into the town it comes from.
Yes, big boxes and national chains are here to stay, and yes, they play a role in the local economy. But I strongly advise any community considering a “Buy Mayberry” (or similar) promotion be very, very clear about who, exactly, it is they’re promoting.
If your plan includes big boxes and national chains, it’s not ”local.” It’s corporate. It’s about zip codes. And it will cost your community dearly long term.
That’s a pretty steep price to pay for short term, feel-good visibility.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
PHOTO ALBUMS
Come check out our facebook page and view our photo albums. I just added a new one titled "Are You Into Easter Collectibles"
Doesn't this Victorian framed Litho remind you of innocence and spring?!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Another List of Reasons for Buying Local
The Proof is in the numbers.
Number of new independent bookstores that have opened since 2005: 437
Increase since 2002 in the number of small specialty food stores: 1,414
Increase since 2002 in the number of small farms: 111,839
Number of farmers markets active in 2010: 6,132
Percentage of active farmers markets started since 2000: 53
Average percentage of shoppers at a large supermarket who have a conversation with another customer: 9
Average percentage of shoppers at a farmers market who have a conversation with another customer: 63
Percentage of bank assets held by small and mid-sized community banks: 22
Percentage of small business loans made by small and mid-sized community banks: 54
Growth in deposits at small banks and credit unions since 2008: $77 billion
Number of chain pharmacy locations that opened in 2009: 177
Number of independent pharmacy locations that opened in 2009: 474
Number of Independent Business Alliances and Local First groups in 2005: 30
Number of Independent Business Alliances and Local First groups in 2010: 143
Percentage change in 2010 sales for independent businesses in cities without a Buy Local First initiative: 2.1
Percentage change in 2010 sales for independent businesses in cities with a Buy Local First initiative: 5.6
Increase since 2002 in the number of Starbucks company stores: 3,297
Increase since 2002 in the number of independent coffee shops: 4,923
Average portion of $100 spent at a Target store that stays in the local economy: $16
Average portion of $100 spent at independent retailers that stays in the local economy: $32
Average amount of local wages paid for every $100 spent at a full-service chain restaurant: $18.68
Average amount of local wages paid for every $100 spent at a full-service locally owned restaurant: $28.46
Minimum amount having a grocery store, bookstore, coffee shop and restaurant within half a mile of a house increases its value: $21,000
* Sources: American Booksellers Association; U.S. Economic Census; United States Department of Agriculture, National Directory of Farmers Markets; Robert Sommer, John Herrick, and Ted R. Sommer, "The Behavioural Ecology of Supermarkets and Farmers' Markets," Journal of Environmental Psychology, 1981; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; National Credit Union Administration; National Association of Chain Drugstores, 2010-11 Chain Pharmacy Industry Profile; American Independent Business Alliance; Business Alliance for Local Living Economies; Institute for Local Self-Reliance, 2011 Independent Business Survey; Starbucks annual reports; U.S. Economic Census; Civic Economics, Thinking Outside the Box, September 2009; Civic Economics, Local Works! Examining the Impact of Local Business on the West Michigan Economy, Sept. 2008; CEOs for Cities, Walking the Walk, August 2009
Number of new independent bookstores that have opened since 2005: 437
Increase since 2002 in the number of small specialty food stores: 1,414
Increase since 2002 in the number of small farms: 111,839
Number of farmers markets active in 2010: 6,132
Percentage of active farmers markets started since 2000: 53
Average percentage of shoppers at a large supermarket who have a conversation with another customer: 9
Average percentage of shoppers at a farmers market who have a conversation with another customer: 63
Percentage of bank assets held by small and mid-sized community banks: 22
Percentage of small business loans made by small and mid-sized community banks: 54
Growth in deposits at small banks and credit unions since 2008: $77 billion
Number of chain pharmacy locations that opened in 2009: 177
Number of independent pharmacy locations that opened in 2009: 474
Number of Independent Business Alliances and Local First groups in 2005: 30
Number of Independent Business Alliances and Local First groups in 2010: 143
Percentage change in 2010 sales for independent businesses in cities without a Buy Local First initiative: 2.1
Percentage change in 2010 sales for independent businesses in cities with a Buy Local First initiative: 5.6
Increase since 2002 in the number of Starbucks company stores: 3,297
Increase since 2002 in the number of independent coffee shops: 4,923
Average portion of $100 spent at a Target store that stays in the local economy: $16
Average portion of $100 spent at independent retailers that stays in the local economy: $32
Average amount of local wages paid for every $100 spent at a full-service chain restaurant: $18.68
Average amount of local wages paid for every $100 spent at a full-service locally owned restaurant: $28.46
Minimum amount having a grocery store, bookstore, coffee shop and restaurant within half a mile of a house increases its value: $21,000
* Sources: American Booksellers Association; U.S. Economic Census; United States Department of Agriculture, National Directory of Farmers Markets; Robert Sommer, John Herrick, and Ted R. Sommer, "The Behavioural Ecology of Supermarkets and Farmers' Markets," Journal of Environmental Psychology, 1981; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; National Credit Union Administration; National Association of Chain Drugstores, 2010-11 Chain Pharmacy Industry Profile; American Independent Business Alliance; Business Alliance for Local Living Economies; Institute for Local Self-Reliance, 2011 Independent Business Survey; Starbucks annual reports; U.S. Economic Census; Civic Economics, Thinking Outside the Box, September 2009; Civic Economics, Local Works! Examining the Impact of Local Business on the West Michigan Economy, Sept. 2008; CEOs for Cities, Walking the Walk, August 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)