About BuyLocalMN
BuyLocalMN is a new web directory featuring locally owned, independent businesses from across Minnesota. There are a million web directories out there, but very few that...
- highlight the benefits of supporting locally-owned businesses
- free to join
- by and for Minnesotans
- non-profit, focused on building community
Our goal is to make BuyLocalMN the place on the web for consumers to find out where to shop locally in Minnesota. We encourage business owners to use this site to create their listings, announce events and promote sales. This site is a project of the Metro Independent Business Alliance, whose mission it is to support and advocate for locally-owned, independent businesses.
Why shop local?
Supporting locally owned, independent businesses keeps more of your money in your community. When you spend $1 at a local independent, an average of 68 cents is recirculated into the local economy. In contrast, when you spend $1 at a national chain, only about 43 cents stays at home. If Twin Cities consumers shift even 10% of their spending from chains to locals for one day, the Twin Cities economy gains some $2 million.*
Minnesota think tank MN2020 just published a report demonstrating that "if Minnesota families spent 25% of their holiday shopping budget on Minnesota-made goods, the small business ripple effect would feel more like a tidal wave." You can find the whole report here.
*Source: Andersonville Study of Retail Economics, by Civic Economics, October 2004 and MN Dept. of Revenue, Gross Retail Sales for 2003.
The beta test
BuyLocalMN has launched into a public beta test. That means that you, me and everybody else can begin using the site listings before every last feature and detail are in place. We value your participating in shaping the future of BuyLocalMN! Please use the contact form to let us know how we can make it better or simply to answer your questions.
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