Savvy Shopper: Stores Launch Buy Local Movement

We can't stop you from shopping at the big-box retailers or buying stuff online. But that's not our intent. We just want you to spread your dollars around by shopping at locally-owned stores, too. You won't regret it.

Buy Triad First continues to spread that message in asking shoppers to pick three independently owned businesses and spend $50 a month there.

Buy Triad First is a network of locally owned and independent businesses. It's part of a national movement called the 3/50 Project that began in March.

"Most people are pleasantly surprised when they begin to shop at these stores," said Betsy Gauthier, president of Loco for Coco (1420-D Westover Terrace; 333-0029).

Her store sells handmade, gourmet chocolates with no preservatives or additives, which means they taste better. That's something you'd be hard pressed to find at a national retailer.

Local merchants also say they provide better customer service than national retailers.

"You can't put a price on that," said Gina Deese, co-owner of A.C.T. Fitness (5314 West Friendly Ave.; 617-5304), a health and wellness studio.

"Customers trust us," said Stan Neerman, owner of the family-run Arthur's Fine Shoes (2920-B Martinsville Road; 286-9290). "They can tell when they walk in here it's a special environment."

So far, Buy Triad First has 30 members, but it continues to grow, said group founder Dottie Cooke.

Cooke is owner of Jack Cecil (2920-D Martsinville Road; 286-1100), which sells clothes, accessories, home and bath, handbags and TOMS shoes.

She pitched the idea of forming a group to 60 merchants in June after learning about the 3/50 Project.

Aside from getting a good value from buying local, Cooke cites figures by the 3/50 Project that show for every $100 you spend at a local store, $68 goes back to the local economy. If it's spent at a national chain store, $42 goes back. Online? Zero.

"I think the consumer needs to realize, too, that they may be saving a dollar here by shopping at a box store, but what it's doing to our community is going to hurt them in the long run," Cooke said.

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