Shop local campaigns promote shopping at locally owned stores
EUGENE, Ore. -- Whatever Santa doesn't bring young Max Eppley, his dad James hopes to pick up at a locally-owned business.
"The economy being what it is, we want to keep people in business," said James Eppley, who plans to shop locally. "We have a lot of favorite places we shop. We want to spread the wealth so local shops stay around."
Shopping centers and the City of Eugene are involved in shop local campaigns. One example: Parking on some streets in downtown Eugene is free. The City of Eugene and Downtown Eugene Inc. are providing the free parking to encourage people to shop downtown.
"I think people have become more aware that shopping locally keeps money in the local economy rather than sending it out of state," said Alan Agerter, manager of Eugene Toy and Hobby in downtown Eugene, "so they are conscious and they are following through."
The Fifth Street Public Market also has a "shop local" initiative this season.
"I think people are a little more confident this year in spending their money," said Marua Lambert, manager of New Twist in the Fifth Street Market. "I think the market is doing a great job of advertising. But most of all I think it's our loyal customers that really want to shop local and support the economy."
And supporting the local economy gives some shoppers a patriotic feeling.
That doesn't automatically benefit Eugene, however.
"I like my home, the hometown I live in, to be a successful town," said Charles Cox, who plans to shop locally, "so I do as much shopping as I can in Veneta -- because it's my home"
