A statewide coalition of downtown development, small business and community groups has come up with a holiday shopping challenge that perfectly befits the "buy local" ethos spreading in Michigan.
The
ShopMIDowntown Holiday Challenge is simple. Both individuals and organizations are asked to do 75 percent of their holiday shopping this season in their local downtowns and Michigan Main Street Districts. Then, the challenge asks that they go online on the challenge's
Facebook page and post video, photos or other evidence of their favorite downtown shopping experience. In doing so, you become eligible for a drawing offering five weekend getaways at Michigan hotels; the Ramsdell Inn in Manistee, the Doherty Hotel in Clare, the National House Inn in Marshall, the Water Street Inn in Boyne City, and the Courtland Carriage House Bed & Breakfast in Hart. All are in recognized Michigan Main Street districts.
"We all know that shopping Michigan's downtowns during the holidays is a magical tradition that's been enjoyed by families and friends for generations," says Laura Krizov, manager of the Michigan Main Street Center, which is part of MSHDA. "We want Michigan residents to tell the world this holiday season what makes their experience so memorable, whether it's outstanding customer service by a merchant, a great bargain they find at a local store or an unforgettable meal they had at a downtown restaurant."
The center is one member of the coalition; the others are the Small Business Association of Michigan, the Michigan Downtown Association, the Michigan Municipal League, the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, The National Trust's Main Street Center, Main Street Oakland County, Local First and Buy Michigan Now!
In a 2008 study, the benefits of buying local were clear, as Think Local First in Grand Rapids reported $73 out of every $100 spent locally stayed within the community, as opposed to $43 of every $100 spent in a business that was not locally owned.
Krizov says buying local is a major focus of the challenge, to keep holiday shopping money in Michigan.
"The 'ShopMIDowntown Holiday Challenge' is a way to show how easy it is to purchase all of the gifts you'll need this holiday at downtown stores, and demonstrate how much fun buying local can be," says Krizov.
The challenge began Nov. 8 and lasts throughout the holiday season, ending on Dec. 31.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Laura Krizov, Michigan Main Street Center
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