Going Shopping? 'Try Northfield First,' Campaigns Say

Two years ago, Minneapolis marketing consultant Cinda Baxter introduced the 3/50 Project, an effort to help consumers understand how and where they spend their money affects Main Street retailers.

The idea was simple: Pick three stores you would miss if they went away, then spend $50 or more per month at each store. That’s enough to make a difference in the bottom-line of many independent retailers.

“What I liked about the program,” said Jerry Bilek, owner of Monkey See Monkey Read in downtown Northfield, “are the numbers behind it. I’m not a big operation. It doesn’t take much to make a difference in how well this store does.” 

According to the 3/50 Project, 68 percent of every dollar spent at a local independent business returns to the local economy through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. In contrast, 43 percent of the money spent at a national chain store stays local. Spending online results in almost no local impact.

A Smart Message

Gina Lovestrand of Monarch Gift Shop in downtown Northfield proudly displays the 3/50 Project poster in her store window. She first heard about the project on a visit to Hudson, WI, where merchants all over town displayed the signs.

“I though it was heartwarming and thought provoking,” she said. “It’s a smart message, because if you break it down, it’s doable.”

It also reflects the strong relationships smaller businesses often have with their customers.

“It’s the difference between a transaction and a relationship,” said Lovestrand. “We have to give great service to our customers. We remember names. We listen to our customers and try to carry want they want.”

Be Local, Buy Local

While many Northfield stores are supporters of the 3/50 Project, the sign more likely to be seen downtown is Be Local, Buy Local, a promotion sponsored by the Northfield Chamber of Commerce and the Northfield Downtown Development Corp. The project, which includes posters and regular notices about local events, encourages residents to stay in Northfield for dining, entertainment and other services as well as shopping at local businesses for products.

“I love all of these programs,” says Lucy Sweitzer of Anna’s Closet in downtown.  "A lot of people say they want businesses downtown, this challenges them to put their  money where their mouth is."

"At least try looking in Northfield first, and then if they can’t find what they want, think about why and tell us,” she said. “We want to carry the things people want and need to buy."

The programs also highlight the importance of maintaining a vibrant retail sector overall, she said.

“I don’t want my competitors to go out of business,” Sweitzer said. “We all do better when each of us is doing better. "

Participating 3/50 Project Northfield Businesses
Anna's Closet
Contented Cow
Monarch Gift Shop
Monkey See Monkey Read
Rooms by Tagg 2

3/50 Project Northfield Supporters
620 Grill

Chapati
Guildcraft Carpets
Neuger Communications Group
Pan Pan Cafe
Transition Northfield
Winter-Green Distribution

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Downtown Northfield MN