COSE is sponsoring its 3rd Annual Buy Local Week initiative July 2nd – 9th, 2011 to raise awareness and educate the public on the importance of buying locally.
During Buy Local Week, COSE and I Buy NEO are asking people all over Northeast Ohio to make a pledge to redirect $100 of existing spending to locally owned and operated businesses in our area. For example, instead of eating at a chain restaurant, choose to patron a local diner or deli. Instead of buying produce from a chain grocer, try out the farmers market in their hometown. The local buying opportunities are endless.
The best part - if everyone in NEO pledged to redirect $100, we would pump $48 Million into the local economy.
As a thank you from I Buy NEO for participating in Buy Local Week, this year each registered pledge will receive a discount card to use at over 40 area businesses and attractions throughout the month of August.
2009 Buy Local Week Facts
Increased local spending:
• 531 pledges - $53,100 pumped into the local economy
Increased awareness in buying local and ibuyneo.com:
• Nearly 5,000 clicks and directory searches attributed to Buy Local Week promotion
2010 Buy Local Week Goals
In its first year, the Buy Local Challenge received 531 pledges and infiltrated the market with the Buy Local message throughout local media and at local events. COSE hopes to at least double the pledges this year while continuing to educate consumers on the significant impact buying local has on our community.
So Many Ways to Spend Locally – Editorial Suggestions
Buying local is a conscious purchase decision shift and consumers will welcome suggestions to see how easy it really is. Here are some daily editorial suggestions.
Day 1 : Stay-cation – local museums/galleries, festivals/events, attractions
Day 2: Grocery/Farmers Markets
Day 3: Daily Services (dry cleaners, auto services)
Day 4: Restaurants
Day 5: Home Improvements (hardware, garden centers)
Day 6: Retailers (jewelers, toy stores, clothing)
Day 7: Health and Beauty (spa, physicians)
Buying Local Makes a Big Difference
When people buy at locally owned and operated establishments of any kind, it makes a significant impact in our region. Learn all the ways shopping locally contributes to positive change in our area. Click here
Local Businesses Promote Buying Local
Local businesses know they need local buyers to keep their businesses healthy, but they also strongly believe in the bigger picture. Buying local keeps our entire local economy strong.
1. 90% of local businesses agree that promoting their business “as a local business” is important
2. 80% of local businesses recommend local businesses to their friends
3. 75% of local businesses believe it is more important to promote buying local to improve our region than to promote to simply improve their bottom line
*Source: Buying Local Research/COSE Member survey
