Local First Milwaukee Encourages Consumers to Pledge to Shop Local, Hosts Buy Local Gift Fair

Local First Milwaukee, an independent business alliance, is urging consumers to “Shift Your Shopping this Holiday Season – Pledge to Shop Local.” The pledge, hosted on the organization’s website, asks consumers to shift at least 10% more of their shopping from chains to local independent businesses. The group hopes to spread awareness of the benefits of supporting local retailers, artisans, and restaurants.

A Civic Economics study conducted for Local First found that if Milwaukeeans shift an additional 10% of their year-around shopping and dining from national chains to local businesses, they would create $311 million in new economic activity in the local economy every year. That is because independent retailers re-spend two to three times more of each sales dollar locally than their chain competitors.

On the Pledge page, visitors will also find tips on how to shift their shopping, including using the organization’s member directory and attending the Buy Local Gift Fair.

“Making the shift to local is one of the fastest ways to build strong local economies, create jobs, and a build more vibrant community,” said Nancy Quinn, Managing Director of Local First Milwaukee. “These businesses also offer unique gifts, services and shopping experiences, things everyone enjoys, especially during the holidays.”

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance’s survey of 2012 holiday sales found independent businesses in communities with an active “buy local first” campaign run by a local business/citizen alliance such as Local First Milwaukee saw revenues grow 8.6% in 2012, compared to 3.4% for those in areas without an alliance.

Buy Local Gift Fair

Sunday, December 8, 2012 | Noon – 4 p.m.

Lakefront Brewery
1872 North Commerce Street | Milwaukee
Free admission

40 LOCAL vendors under one roof!

Free brewery tours at 12:30 • 1:30 • 2:30

Beer and other beverages available for purchase from Lakefront Brewery

Food available for purchase from a Simmer Truck and Tall Guy and a Grill

Local First Milwaukee is once again making it easy for consumers to shop local and find unique gifts by bringing over 40 independent vendors under one roof. At the Buy Local Gift Fair, attendees will find items from food artisans Treat Bake Shop and Afro Fusion Cuisine and jewelry and other handcrafted pieces at The Waxing and Fair Trade for All. Those looking for something that says Milwaukee should be sure to stop at MilwaukeeHome and James Steeno Gallery. As in past years, nonprofits, including Milwaukee Empty Bowls and The Gathering, will be offering alternative gift giving opportunities. View a complete vendor list on the Local First website.

“Over thousand people regularly attend last this event,” said Nancy Quinn, Managing Director of Local First Milwaukee “The turn out, the atmosphere – and let’s not forget the beer – help make this a real community event.”

Lakefront Brewery and Outpost Natural Foods are sponsors of the fair.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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