Nationwide Survey Shows Local First Campaigns provide a huge boost

For the fourth year in a row, a nationwide (US) survey of independent businesses by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) has found those in communities with an active "buy local" campaign run by an Independent Business Alliance or Local First group experienced markedly stronger revenue growth compared to those located in areas without such an initiative.

Responses from 2,768 independent businesses, including retailers, service providers, restaurants and others found those in places with a Buy Independent / Buy Local (BIBL) initiative reported revenue growth of 5.6% on average in 2010, compared to 2.1% for those elsewhere.

Among independent retailers the benefit was even more dramatic: a 5.2% increase in holiday sales for those with BIBL campaigns serving their community, while retailers elsewhere reported an average gain of just 0.8%.

Business owners active in these community initiatives also reported a wide range of benefits, including greater customer loyalty and more awareness of the needs of independent businesses among city officials. Survey responses were generated largely by announcements from trade associations, AMIBA, BALLE, and ILSR. See the complete report for participating organizations, details, and many useful graphs.