Big Things campaign launched to help independent gift retailers

Yes, it’s been quiet here on the blog lately; with the holiday season fast approaching, I’ve been flying (literally) from city to city, speaking about The 3/50 Project. In the past month alone: 6 states, 5 airports, 11 cities, 10 hotels, 2 rental cars, and a whole lot of unpack/repack/unpack in my life.

But enough about me. Let’s talk about you.

More pointedly, let’s talk about you, fourth quarter, The 3/50 Project…and our 2010 holiday campaign, “Big Things come from Small Boxes.”

Consumers often forget (or just don’t know) how much of the revenue that funds their local community comes from locally owned, independent brick and mortar businesses. While big boxes are, well, bigger, the reality is that they return far less money to the local coffers than their smaller independent counterparts.

Then there are the non-profits who rely heavily on local, independent businesses for their funding. Sure, the big guys send checks to national programs, but how many raise money for your local park jungle gym project? The community children’s crisis center? The town beautification movement? Hmm. Something to think about.

Earlier this year, we launched “Eat Down the Street” (focused on local, independent eateries) and “Roll Local” (aimed at independent bike stores), but with the holidays looming on the horizon, we turn our focus to the gift shops and stationery stores who provide the presents and greeting cards that adorn those special days. Doesn’t mean you can’t still push the other two—just that for now, we’re looking at the retailers in the group.

As always, there’s a handy dandy 8.5. x 11 poster available for printing out on your desktop printer, as well as a plethora of cool treats in the Project store. Check ‘em out, then pop a poster in your window. If your business isn’t registered as a Supporter yet (for heaven’s sake, why not???), but sure to check out the Jump In page on our site too. You want to be on the list your local Santas check out before shopping….right?

Odds are, the blog will be a bit quiet much of November as I ricochet around Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and New York (all in the name of the Project). Will post when possible, but rest assured: You’re in my thoughts every day, folks, as you duke it out on the small business front lines. Keep your chins up, your spirits high, and know that what you do is important.

You’re my superheros.

Happy, happy, merry, merry…let’s go get ‘em, folks!