Keep buck$ in Bucks

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Keep buck$ in Bucks
That’s the message local businesses want to get out as they ask people to shop closer to home for the holidays.
By CRISSA SHOEMAKER DEBREE

Merchants in Bristol, Morrisville, New Hope and Yardley want residents to celebrate the holidays with their neighbors — and hopefully, spend some money locally.

The four towns, which comprise the Landmark Towns of Bucks County regional economic development initiative, have launched a “Shop Local First” campaign to encourage residents to visit Main Street retailers first.

“It becomes really important for the local residents to reflect on how the local businesses support them throughout the year, and in turn, support the local businesses,” said Donna Boone, regional main street coordinator for Landmark Towns. “Local businesses provide local jobs, they support the nonprofits. They’re the first people you go to when you need help with something. Then, when the holidays roll around, people don’t think of the local businesses.”

Leaders in Bristol, New Hope and Yardley have proclaimed Dec. 7-13 “Shop Local Week.” Morrisville has dedicated the entire month of December to the project.

Fred Eisen, who owns Fred Eisen Leather in New Hope, said some local residents don’t even know his shop exists. Eisen sells leather goods and makes most of his products on site. He also does alterations and repairs.

“I hope we can get people to shop locally,” he said. “If they like the shops that are there, that’s the only way to keep them there.”

Maryanne Lalli, who owns the Cannoli Coffee Bar & Gelateria in Bristol, hopes the promotion will draw people out of their homes to support the local economy. She’s working with other borough retailers to book entertainment for the week.

“Due to the economy, we are thinking of more creative ways to get people into our stores,” she said. “Businesses have to be creative just trying to stay afloat.”

Retailers in the Landmark Towns program aren’t the only ones hoping shoppers’ money stays local.

The American Independent Business Alliance, a nonprofit group that helps people start local business groups, has launched a similar promotion, called America Unchained!, which happens Saturday. Cheltenham in Montgomery County is one of several communities around the country participating in that event.

Area merchants hope to capitalize on what other towns are doing.

Sue Dershin, who owns A Special Gift in Doylestown, said business in her shop, which sells handcrafted gifts, has been “terrible” over the past few months.

“I understand the whole thing of money being tight,” she said. “Shopping locally really does make a difference.”