Local First Arizona (LFA) is reminding Arizonans about the impact they can make through Buy Local Month, LFA’s annual holiday campaign running from Black Friday (November 25, 2015) through January 1, 2017. Through the campaign, LFA aims to inform Arizonans about the impact of their holiday spending, and encourages Arizonans that supporting local businesses is more than just a one-day event.
“For those who are looking to make a difference this holiday season, as well as into the new year, Arizonans can have the greatest impact by shifting their holiday spending to local businesses and away from national big box and mega online retailers,” said the organizations founding director Kimber Lanning. “By keeping our dollars in Arizona, we take control of our state’s economic future through supporting our fellow neighbors in creating entrepreneurial opportunities and jobs in our local communities.”
Holiday shoppers can visit the LFA website at localfirstaz.com/buy-local for a continuously updated list of holiday shopping events; gift ideas; offers and discounts from local businesses. Shoppers can also visit the Local First Arizona online directory of nearly 3,000 local businesses across Arizona at localfirstaz.com/directory. Arizonans can also follow Local First Arizona on social media for the latest updates from the campaign.
In Flagstaff, Local First Arizona has organized the Flagstaff Local Shopping Passport with the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance. The Flagstaff Local Shopping Passport makes it easy for locals to plan their holiday shopping and support locally-owned businesses at the same time. With every stop at one of the 21 participating businesses, each participant will receive a sticker with the total dollar amount of the purchase. To complete the passport, participants must make purchases at 8 of the 21 participating businesses, or spend a total of $250. Completing the passport and turning it in will give participants the chance to win any of the 19 available gift card packages. Full rules and a list of participating businesses are available at https://www.localfirstaz.com/news/flagstaff-passport-2016.
“This campaign is not just about the boutiques and small mom-and-pop shops, but about building an Arizona economy that works for everyone,” said Lanning. “By keeping our dollars local, we invest in an Arizona in which all Arizonans can prosper, and that we’re all proud to call home.”