Traverse City downtown merchants are putting the emphasis on shopping local --maybe some early holiday shopping for the more organized among us--with Shop Your Community Day on Nov. 12.
It works like this: Every purchase made in participating downtown stores that day means 15 percent of the sale goes to a community organization of the customer's choice. A list of both participating stores and participating organizations is available at the
Traverse City Downtown Development Association website.
Last year, Shop Your Community Day raised $23,000 for local nonprofits, and the goal for this year is to hit the $25,000 mark.
"We are blessed with a healthy downtown here in Traverse City, but continued support of our local businesses is critical. A commitment to do so during this one-day event will also result in greatly benefiting the nonprofit organizations in our community. This truly is a win-win," says Colleen Paveglio, DDA marketing director.
She adds downtown merchants have a history of supporting local causes and events, and that's not even counting the less-tangible benefits of shopping locally. A local business, as opposed to a national one, keeps three times as much money in the community, contributing to local jobs, neighborhoods and services, according to the DDA.
On the day, shopping bags with balloons will signify participating stores. The event is sponsored by the more than 200 businesses that make up the Downtown Traverse City Association.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Colleen Paveglio, Traverse City Downtown Development Association
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