Shop Milford and save this holiday season

MILFORD — Does even thinking about doing your holiday shopping at the nearest mall give you hives? Are you dreading the long drive, the cookie-cutter look-alike gifts “on sale?” Do you groan when you think of the bustling crowds, the mallrats, and your prospective aching feet? Stop! Don’t do it! There’s a much better alternative for all of us. The Milford Business Council just announced its “Shop Milford” campaign, beginning on Nov. 21, and going through the holiday season. The point of this initiative is to encourage residents and tourists alike to buy local products and services, In this season of economic uncertainty, the council feels that the “Shop Milford” campaign is timely and would help customers make informed decisions about where they shop and why. Buying locally supports our unique stores and our community. Local shops offer better value, personalized customer service, and a more diverse range of product choices. Buying locally is a concept which is being encouraged as a conscious choice in many small communities throughout the country. Bill Lofquist, in his blog about preserving small towns (www.preserving.wordpress.com) says, “Main Streets and locally-owned businesses are a critical cog in a healthy and sustainable local economy. Money spent in local businesses is more likely to stay in the community, to pay local workers and suppliers, earn interest in local banks, pay for local advertising, be counted by local accountants, and support local charities and churches. This local premium pays significant dividends directly back to the community.” On Nov. 19, the council will be having a launch party for the “Shop Milford” campaign for all local businesses at the Firefly Toy Shop at the Lumberyard Shops. Businesses will be given their starter kits and information about the benefits of having their customers shop locally. This campaign is for all participating businesses throughout Milford. If you are a local store owner and cannot attend the launch party on Nov. 19, call Lisa Bingham at the Firefly Toy Shop for more information.(570-296-4203) Starting Nov. 21, the participating stores will be giving out “thank you” post cards to customers for shopping Milford and buying locally. In addition, selected businesses will be offering recycled canvas tote bags with the “I love Milford” logo on the bag. There will be “Shop Milford “decals in the windows of participating businesses. The council is hoping shoppers follow the advice of Lisa Bingham, MBC member and owner of the Firefly Toy Shop, “Invest in your community by shopping locally this holiday season and exploring what Milford has to offer.” Isn’t helping to preserve our quality of life and our community worth more than fighting to grab a cheap shirt on sale at the mall? Top 10 reasons to shop locally 1. More money is recycled back into the local economy, helping local businesses grow and adding to the tax base. 2. More independently owned businesses result in more choices and lower prices. 3. More jobs are created when small businesses flourish. 4. Local business owners give more to area non-profits and to civic causes. 5. Milford retains its unique character as a quaint small town. 6. The local retailers spent more than twice as much buying goods and services from other local businesses. 7. There is significantly less of a carbon footprint on the environment without the need for long-haul shipping and developing of large tracts of land. 8. Local stores help sustain a vivacious, navigable, efficient town center, which reduces sprawl. 9. You get better customer service. 10. Local business owners are more invested in the community’s future.