Shopping Locally Keeps More Money Here

During the recession, a fairly new trend is occurring across the
country to help local economies. That trend, which involves shopping
in local independently owned stores, has been covered by the Wall
Street Journal, Washington Post, CNN and FOX Business. Fort Bragg
shoppers have plenty of retail options this Christmas and Fayetteville
is blessed with a plethora of locally-owned businesses.

According to Civic Economics, for every $100 spent in locally-owned
independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes,
payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that at Walmart or
another national chain, only $43 stays in the town, and if you spend
it online no funds return here.

"As a former business owner, I know what it's like to struggle, so why not support our own local businesses," said Tara Stephenson. "Fayetteville has so many neat boutiques, salons and mom and pop owned eateries."

While Fayetteville has performed much better than most cities in the
country throughout the recession, local shops throughout the city
would benefit this Christmas season by increased patrons. The 3/50
Project encourages citizens to shop three independently owned
businesses. Additional research from the U.S. Labor Department
indicates that if half of the employed population spent $50 monthly in
local stores, more than $42.6 billion in revenue would be generated.

So, this Christmas, Fort Bragg shoppers can give local store owners
another reason to thank them for their service.