The Buffalo News: Group Says Buying Locally Helps Small Shops and Public

Locally owned and independently operated small businesses face a competitive disadvantage opposite ever-increasing numbers of corporate chains.

With that in mind, the “Buy Buffalo Week” campaign is back for a second year to encourage residents to support them — and in doing so, local communities — this holiday season.

“Shopping in local businesses helps boost the local economy, and it keeps the money generated in the area as opposed to a corporate headquarters out of state,” said Deborah Clotfelter, owner of Caz Coffee Cafe in South Buffalo.

“Supporting local businesses also helps keep the unique character of neighborhoods.”

John Rigney, co-owner of The Second Reader Bookshop on Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo, is also an avid promoter of “Buy Buffalo Week.”

“The first thing we’re trying to do is educate the community about this generalized idea of buying locally,” Rigney said. “A lot of time people feel helpless about doing anything in their community, but this can become a great way for our local economy to become stronger.”

The buy-local campaign was introduced in June 2006 by Buffalo

First!, an organization committed to the proposition that independently owned stores are integral to diverse and sustainable communities.

With 100 local businesses — from record stores and Laundromats to restaurants and print shops — and community organizations as members, and membership in the Californiabased Business Alliance for Local Living Economies that’s armed with economic impact studies boosting the impact of local economies, Buffalo First! is part of a growing movement to strengthen communities.

“It’s beautiful to have a diversity of businesses to shop at, and we’re [as a nation] losing that — along with our sense of uniqueness and our sense of place,” said Amy Kedron, a 31- year-old native Buffalonian and co-founder of Buffalo First!

“Whether it’s Home Depot, Starbucks, Barnes & Noble or Wal-Mart, these larger businesses are replacing the small family-owned hardware store, coffee shop, bookstore and grocery store. So we’re trying to keep independent businesses open, but the bigger thing we’re trying to do is maintain people’s access to ownership and wealth.”

Member businesses around the city — and a smaller number in the suburbs — will be offering discounts ranging from 5 to 25 percent, with a list of businesses and products available by Nov. 16 at buffalofirst.org. The campaign begins Nov. 17 and ends Nov. 24, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, one of the year’s biggest shopping days.

“We really wanted this to conclude with Black Friday,” said Kedron. “Ninety percent of the businesses in malls tend to be national businesses. When a person chooses to shop locally, about three times more of their money stays in the local economy.”

Buying local, Kedron said, helps stabilize communities.

“Many of these local independent businesses know not only their workers, but the children of their workers. They realize there is a consequence to their business decisions, and because they live here, they are more inclined to want what’s best for the local community,” Kedron said.

Another benefit Buffalo First! emphasizes is environmental. Instead of all the pollution involved in transporting produce from Florida or the West Coast, for instance, buying from local farms reduces carbon emissions that contribute to global warming and supports family farmers.

With many Elmwood Avenue businesses quick to sign on, Buffalo First! has made a deliberate effort to reach into less represented areas — especially on the West Side, East Side and South Buffalo. The organization’s board represents every major neighborhood and encourages cross-neighborhood shopping.

All of the businesses — which pay a fee of $50 to $5,000 a year to be members — receive a marketing kit that includes a window decal, brochures and mention on a poster. To qualify, half of the ownership must live in the area, be able to make independent decisions, have the business registered and headquartered in New York State and be privately held.

The week’s events will kick off with a “Buy Buffalo Bash” at 6 p.m. Nov. 14 in Babeville [formerly The Church], 339 Delaware Ave.

Last year, 400 people attended.

Tickets are $12 in advance [see www.buffalofirst.org for locations], or $15 at the door. A 2008 directory of member businesses, along with “Buy Buffalo Week” specials, will also be given out.

msommer@buffnews.com