Shop local this holiday season

When you support local businesses, you’re helping our state economy, supporting our neighbors, friends and family, and keeping our momentum going!
Governor Gina Raimondo joined Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman David Cicilline and Rhode Island Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed in Newport to remind Rhode Islanders to shop local this holiday season.

Reasons to buy local in Rhode Island

1. Support good jobs.
Small local businesses are Rhode Island’s largest employer. Local small business is the greatest source of job creation.

2. Keep your money in the Rhode Island economy longer.

Local businesses often keep your money local, investing in local supplies, wages, services, taxes, and community donations. This strengthens Rhode Island’s economic and tax base. A study in Austin, Texas, found that $100 spent at a local bookstore produced $45 worth of local economic activity, and $100 at a chain bookstore brought back only $13.

3. Local businesses shape the character of our community.

Where we shop, where we eat and have fun – all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses make up Rhode Island’s distinctive character. Spend local and embrace our unique identity.

4. Feel good about your purchases.

Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community and are invested in the community’s future. By getting to know them, you build trust and a connection to your neighbors. Plus, local businesses often take more time to get to know customers, meaning better service for you.

5. Reduce environmental impact.

Locally owned businesses make more local purchases – meaning less transportation, lower energy and fuel costs, and less excessive packaging.