Shop Local for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Every Day

The Buy Local RI campaign encourages shoppers to keep their dollars in Rhode Island to help the local economy.

As we gear up for holiday shopping, we just wanted to remind everyone how much shopping at local businesses can make a positive impact on the Rhode Island economy.

Just in time for Small Business Saturday, locals have a new reason to flock to Buy Local RI — an online resource for local shops, services, products and holiday-related events and promotions — for their holiday shopping needs. On Tuesday, the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau (PWCVB) announced that it is officially taking the small- and local-business-minded brand under its wing. (The chicken  puns stop here, we promise). The PWCVB was joined by the Rhode Island Foundation (RIF), Frog and Toad, BankNewport  and Dave’s Marketplace to get the word out ahead of the holiday season.

“For the past three years, the PWCVB has collaborated with the Rhode Island Foundation on this campaign and we are grateful that they have entrusted us with the brand,” said Kristen Adamo, president and CEO of the PWCVB. “Buy Local RI has a rich history of helping our local businesses and boosting our local economy. Shopping locally also means supporting the families that own these businesses. They help to make Rhode Island so special and I am thankful to have the partnership of David Cicilline and the Rhode Island Foundation in this important effort.”

Shifting just 10 percent of our purchases from chains to independent, locally owned businesses has the potential to add more than $300 million to the state’s economy, according to a study commissioned by the Rhode Island Foundation. The study estimates that 57 percent of spending with locally owned retailers stays in the state’s economy compared to just 13.6 percent of spending at major national chains. Next time you need to shop for something, think about a local business where you can find nearly everything you’re looking for.

“Shopping and dining locally has the potential to pay off in a big way. As these companies flourish, they will put people to work,” says David N. Cicilline, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. “But supporting local shops does more than just create jobs. Thriving local businesses support Little Leagues, sponsor fun runs for charity, donate to PTOs, and all the other little things that make our state a true community.”

The official announcement took place at Dave’s Fresh Marketplace, the much beloved locally owned grocer which operates ten locations across the state.

“Dave’s Fresh Marketplace is proof that a small business with good values can thrive in our small state,” says Susan Budlong, Marketing and Communications Director for the grocer. “We have had so much support from our communities over the past fifty-four years, growing slow and steady by focusing on quality and people. The food business is about people – as it brings us together to celebrate, congratulate and provide sustenance. We are proud to be a small part of Rhode Island’s culture, and look forward to supporting more local food venues, entrepreneurs and our communities.”

BankNewport, one of the nation’s longest-standing community banks with nineteen Rhode Island branches, is just as proud to support the campaign.

“From restaurants and shops to other unique Rhode Island spots, we recognize the importance of supporting the small businesses that make our communities special,” says Wendy Kagan, Executive Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer of BankNewport.

The PWCVB plans to spearhead a targeted marketing campaign for Buy Local RI that includes advertising, social media and in-store promotions. To help shoppers think outside the box, the Bureau has collaborated with the other tourism regions in Rhode Island to compile a list of “100 Ways to Buy Local RI” with suggestions from all corners of the state.

“Here in Rhode Island, we are fortunate to have a diverse array of small businesses right in our backyards, no matter where you live,” said Christine Walsh Phillips, Senior Director of Community Affairs for the PWCVB. “From Woonsocket to Westerly, you’ll find ways to support locally owned businesses. The PWCVB is proud to promote Rhode Island businesses during the holiday shopping season and we plan to continue this effort with additional marketing promotions year-round.”

To learn more about Buy Local RI, visit buylocalri.org.

But that isn’t the only way you can shop local this holiday season. Here are some local Black Friday and Small Business Saturday events and destinations worth visiting.

Newport

Discover Newport is launching its shop small initiative with Friday’s Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade which officially begins at 6 p.m. Boats will cruise through the harbor earning recognition for best decorated, while many area shops and restaurants will be offering discounts and specials. Learn more at discovernewport.org.

Providence

The Hope Street Merchant Association will be celebrating Small Business Saturday by giving back to the community. Many businesses will be donating a portion of their sales to Your Neighborhood Food Pantry, and others will have collection boxes for non perishables. Learn more at hopestreetpvd.com.

Meanwhile, InDowncity is also hosting its annual Celebrate Downcity event on Small Business Saturday along Westminster Street (between Eddy Street and Clemence Street). Visitors will be able to enjoy family-friendly programming such as food truck favorites, festive music, interactive holiday entertainment, and more. Plus, there will be indoor shopping opportunities abound, from books, clothing, and home decor at local shops, to a vibrant Rock and Roll Yard Sale marketplace around the corner.

Warren

Warren is getting in on the fun, too, kicking off the Warren Holiday Festival on November 24 through the 25. As they explore the areas, visitors can can expect to enjoy appearances from Santa, carolers, circus dynamics, marching bands and more, plus participate in festive workshops. The festival also put together an exciting scavenger hunt where a completed checklist of stamps collected from various locations will earn you a chance to win fun prizes (including one free pizza per month for a year from Balasco’s Pizzeria). Learn more at warrenholidayfestival.org.

More shopping destinations chock full of small businesses include: Pawtuxet Village, Main Street in Wakefield, and Wickenden Street in Providence.

All in all, we just want to stress that you do not have to wait until Small Business Saturday to shop local. If you plan on hitting up Black Friday, do so at a local business, and continue the trend on Small Business Saturday, throughout the entire holiday season and every day. Shop local as much as possible and you will help your neighbors put food on the table and our neighborhoods will thrive.