By Sara Weber
Think back on your weekly shopping trips, restaurant visits and errand stops. How many of those were at a locally owned business?
Whether your answer was all, some or none, Local First Arizona wants you to participate in Arizona’s 10th Annual Independents Week. The organization is encouraging consumers to challenge themselves and shop exclusively local from June 27 to July 5 as a way of supporting small businesses in the state.
By shopping independently, shoppers can stimulate the local economy, while learning more about their community and the small businesses that can go unnoticed. Doing so can help create jobs and can ultimately reduce consumers’ environmental impact, as it keeps transportation and production costs to a minimum.
Those interested can find a “golden coupon” on Local First Arizona’s website, which they can bring to participating vendors for 20 percent off a purchase or service.
Businesses who would like to participate can sign up online. Those who do sign up are required to accept the golden coupon from customers and can find information on how to accept and use it online. Owners can also find social media toolkits to help promote Independents Week.
If you’re not accustomed to shopping local or fear doing so would be inconvenient, Local First wants to help ease the transition. If you find yourself struggling with the adjustment (it’s harder than it seems!), the group has placed a list of tips on their website. Here are a few to get you started:
- Plan your week ahead of time, and find local alternatives to where you usually shop before you head out for the day.
- Ask friends, family and colleagues for recommendations on where they find the best local foods and services.
- Check out product labels to make sure they’re made in Arizona.
For more information on how to participate in Independents Week, visit localfirstaz.com/independents-week.
