The busiest shopping season of the year will soon be drawing to a close. According to the National Retail Federation, holiday shopping can represent as much as 30% of the annual sales. Here’s how one town is working to keep those purchases local.
A little more than a year ago, Ashley Berg opened Main Street Boutique just as the holiday season began.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m in a Hallmark commercial, especially when I’m changing my mannequins in the front window and I’m waving at people passing by… it’s just fun. You know, it’s the dream,” says Ashley Berg, Main Street Boutique.
She is one of several small business owners in Rugby working to fill a need in the community.
“I definitely am really appreciative that we have so many places in town to shop, so I try to shop in town. I want to keep them here. I don’t want them to go elsewhere, soon as they’re closed, we’re going to complain that we don’t have them,” says Kate Halvorson, Rugby Shopper.
The Rugby Chamber of Commerce wanted to do something to help their local businesses, so they started the Dash for Cash.
“Anything to keep those dollars local, because any dollar that is spent locally has three times the impact than a dollar that is spent at a national chain,” says Darylanna Durkee, Executive Director of Rugby’s Chamber of Commerce.
Each time shoppers patron the local businesses, they are given a green ticket that enters them into a lottery for Rugby Bucks.
“People will remind me, which is great, because then it means they’re excited. They’re in, they’re getting their little green cards. They’re excited to win,” says Berg.
And those winnings stay local.
“Our local businesses in Rugby are an integral part of our community’s identity. They drive our economy, here in Rugby, they create all of our jobs,” says Durkee.
Berg says she’s feeling the love.
“It’s been wonderful, not only has the community been so supportive, but even the surrounding communities,” says Berg.
Supporting small businesses and staying local.
The Dash for Cash will continue through January 1st, and the first winner will be announced on January 8th.
