Save the economy three stores at a time

by Cinda Baxter on March 11, 2009

in Economy, Marketing, Retail, The 3/50 Project

3-50-project-logo_500px2A friend turned me onto a great piece about strengthening the local economy by patronizing local brick and mortars. Written by Rieva Lesonsky (Consulting Editor at BizWomen.com), the post titled “Support Your Local Small Business” touched my retail-lovin’ heart in a big way.

Her article sprang from a customer service-related experiment last summer. In that case, a guy decided to purchase goods and services only from businesses whose owners he’d met. Before long, he was frequenting the same three restaurants repeatedly, which inspired Lesonsky to twist the concept slightly, then consider the implications of her own shopping habits:

With more and more small businesses on the edge of survival, I’ve been thinking about which three stores I would most hate to see go out of business, and how I can support them with my dollars.

Puts things in pretty clear terms, pretty quickly.

And this got my wheels spinning.

Why not build a campaign tieing this three-door concept to the $50 Retail Challenge? Call it The 3/50 Project, supporting local business in small, easily consumable bites.

The goal is simple: Ask consumers to frequent three local brick and mortar businesses they don’t want to see disappear, and to spend a very affordable $50 per month doing it.

Could be those three. Another three. Doesn’t matter. It’s about funneling revenue back into local business. You know-—the folks that pour money back into the community via commercial property taxes, payroll taxes, sales tax, and salaries (not to mention all that good will by way of volunteer time, silent auctions, sponsored softball teams, workshops, book signings, etc.).

Whadaya say folks? I can have a window banner whipped up in no time for printing at your favorite local print shop and bag stuffers you can print on your desktop. Just say the word-—I’ll get the PDF files in your hands asap.

Related links:

Seth Godin mentions The 3/50 Project
Let’s get The 3/50 Project on the Today Show
The Project 3/50 bag stuffers are here
Oprah, you’ve got it wrong
CNBC host Erin Burnett reminds us the battle is about more than just money
Enough with the carnage
The 3/50 Project grows legs
Want to be a 3/50 Project rock star?

Mark Krueger July 21, 2009 at 5:15 pm

What a fantastic site. I was directed here by another retailer and she spread the information to our ProfitGroup which is comprised of 10 small business owners spread across the country. I am the chairperson of a local organization called KIC! (Kirksville Image Committee) and we are trying to raise the awareness of supporting local business and taking pride in our small community. Thanks for the help and keep it up.

Christina - Not A Shopaholic July 26, 2009 at 1:06 pm

Hi Cinda
Just checked out your blog. Way to take the Retail Challenge to the next level! Looks like you Americans are quick to catch on. Now if only the same could be said for Canada. Keep it going.

Editor’s note: Keep your eye on what’s next, Christina. The 3/50 Project has plans to roll out a Canadian version later this year. Gotta share the love with our neighbors to the north!

Holly Myers October 29, 2009 at 10:28 am

Cinda,
As a director of the Greater Willows Improvement League and an Independent Retailer… Wow!
Now this is exciting!
The 3/50 countertop sign… framed and matted, was displayed immediately on my retail counter. I must say that you have taken the Shop Local Campaign to a much higher level.
I hope to bring all of the qualified Independent Retailers of our community into the 3/50 Project.
Thank You!
Thank You!
Thank You!
Holly

Judy Vanderebck November 5, 2009 at 5:08 pm

A WONDERFUL IDEA CINDA! I am going to start printing out flyers and find a way to hand out bag stuffers, even though my service does not require that I hand out bags. I will definitely support the project.
Judy

Marti @ The Next Fifty Years November 10, 2009 at 9:17 am

What a great idea and website. I’m in! Now if there was just a website listing the independent businesses.

Editor’s note: There is–check out the350project.net site, where more than 12,000 Supporters are listed by city and state. We’re big on paying it forward, you know….

Gloria March 5, 2010 at 9:38 pm

Aint it the truth. Grass Roots at its Brick and Mortar Best.
I was in my Hometown of Willoughby, Ohio this past summer and picked up one of your flyers. My Hometown has always been an Idylic little town. Now it’s a Hip and trendy downtown spot with a wine Bar and a brewery and antique shops an Irish Pub and a Yoga Studio. Folks from the neighboring towns like to visit, but it’s up to the Local Folks to keep it going strong. When I was 14, I remember a very memorable birthday, walking uptown to the local dress shop with my mother, (who didn’t drive) to pick out My Birthday Outfit: a Pair of Gauchos! It’s memories like those that make me happy to support the local vendors. After all, If you like your local Flavor, keep it there! By showing the merchants you care.

thomas richard April 24, 2010 at 1:29 am

Thanks Dana Davidoff, my friend, for sharing the 3/50 Project concept with me. I have always tried to do this as my Dad was in his own business my whole life but didn’t really realize the impact it made as I never really gave it a thought. It just came naturally for me to do this. I will keep my eye on this Project and do my best to spread the word.Thanks Dana Davidoff.i jut fell very great contri bution u just good for every yhing

James Henry June 2, 2010 at 10:04 am

Cinda
I see you will be speaking in Redding, CA tomorrow morning so welcome to the CA North State. I very much support shopping locally but sometimes the cost differences are just too much. Case in point… I recently needed to purchase a new fuel pump for my boat motor so I went on the internet and found one for $157.00 (including shipping and sales tax). I called our local Marine facility where I bought the patio boat new and figured that if they had a fuel pump (for not too much more.. $30 or $40) I’d perfer to buy locally. As I was looking at the internet price of $157.00, I was quoted a price of $439.00 plus 8.25% sales tax. The local price was $475.22… That’s $318 more than the same part ordered off the internet. Needless to say, I ordered the internet part… and again my boat runs great. I realize “cost overheads” are lower with internet sales and I’m willing to pay a little more to shop locally but who in there right mind would pay an extra $318 for the same part. I really felt that I was being extorted because they figured I would pay any price to get my boat back on the water again. Not only did they loose a parts sale… when it comes to purchasing a new boat (in a couple of years) it definately won’t be through that dealership. You may need to address this issue as you make your presentations. WITH THE INTERNET… EVERYONE HAS OPTIONS. SO IF LOCAL MERCHANTS WANT LOCAL SUPPORT… THEY REALLY NEED TO OFFER A GOOD PRODUCT FOR A “FAIR” PRICE.

Bobbi At Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce June 30, 2010 at 11:33 am

Cinda,
The 3/50 project is a fabulous idea!! How simple and an effective this can be for businesses. I am spreading the word to our membership and beyond!! Thank you.

Carol Volk July 5, 2010 at 8:50 am

Would love some bag stuffers or something I could print off to put as bag stuffers for my store. I’m in Canada and spreading the word too! Love how we got over the 60K mark and now well on your way to 70K!!!
Thanks :o )

Editor’s note: There *is* a Canadian version ready to roll out, but…am having a tough time finding data to replace the 68/43 portion that ties to the economy north of the border. If anyone out there has a verifiable source, please contact me as soon as possible at get_info@the350project.net. With that in hand, you’ll have your flyer, website, etc. in no time.

ed hardy bags July 7, 2010 at 6:50 am

Thanks Dana Davidoff, my friend, for sharing the 3/50 Project concept with me. I have always tried to do this as my Dad was in his own business my whole life but didn’t really realize the impact it made as I never really gave it a thought.

Kurtis Bunzey December 6, 2010 at 7:04 pm

After looking for a long time something about this Google brought me to your doorsteps. Praise the Lord! Thank you Google for helping me, also, thank you so much for gathering so many information’s. Love your post and will check your site often! Thanks

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