3/50 project

Too many of our local independant retailer have closed their doors over the last few years. Our town has lost its only independant bookshop, our scrapbook store, our only retailer of sewing machines and there are constant rumours about the future of our art shop. One of them was more down to failing to keep up with the curent trends and carrying outdated, tired stock than with problems with the economy, but it was sad to see them all go.

I live in a smallish market town and the local independent retailers could make our town a really special place. We have a new, modern mall, recently built, and full of chain stores, you know the kind of thing, same shops as every other largish town or city in the UK. Much of the money we spend with these big retailers goes straight back to the shareholders rather than staying in our local communities and I often feel that the money I spend does not really matter to anyone but me.

Recently I have been reading about a movement that started in the US called 3/50 project. The idea is that the comsumer picks three local independent businesses that really matter to them and pledge to spend $50 per month with these three businesses. Pick businesses that would make your area feel less of a good place to live if they were gone, not just retailers, perhaps a locally owned restaurant where you get good food and a welcoming atmosphere.

I feel that I cannot be aware of the issues raised by this campaign and not put my money where my mouth is any more. If the current trend continues we are going to find our choices of what and where we buy eroded until we are left with the same few multiple retailers stocked with the product their buyers decide that we want. We will all become faceless purchasers rather than valued customers.

Although my purchasing power is slightly curtailled until I am back in paid employment I hereby state my intention to support my chosen three local retailers by making regular purchases from them. First is a local coffee shop / cafe run by a very friendly team of people, it is run by a charity and provides work for people with mental health needs. The food is good, the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is very welcoming. My second choice is Wool Mountain, our local yarn store. They have a great selection of yarns and patterns and the staff are very helpful. Thirdly I have chosen our only remaining scrapbooking retailer. They are having a tough time competing with online retailers but I love the chance to see the papers in person before I make a purchasing decision. They also support local charities through events held throughout the year.

Read more about the campaign at http://the3/50project.net