Local business owners launched the Shop Hamilton campaign to encourage residents to shop local.
Along with the campaign’s educations efforts, Shop Hamilton includes a gift basket contest. The public can enter to win about $1,000 in products and services from local businesses.
Entry forms can be found in local newspaper advertisements and at participating stores.
The campaign is the latest grassroots effort by Biz 33, a Hamilton Partnership subset that strives to advance small business interests within the township and educate consumers on the benefits of shopping local.
As part of its initiative, the group plans to look into marketing independently owned Hamilton businesses through an online directory, investigate possible tax incentives for returning patrons and offer giveaways to loyal shoppers.
According to Biz 33 chairman Michael Dill, who manages his own photography studio, for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $68 stays in the local economy. At national chain stores, for every $100 spent, $43 stays in the local economy.
Dill says the township’s mom-and-pop shops offer superior services and products, unrivaled personal attention and expertise, which in some cases has taken generations to perfect.
Additionally, Dill said local businesses fosters job creation and environmentally sound practices, such as fuel conservation.
Bernie’s Bicycle Center owner Tim Cannon said a a dollar spent at a hometown store is ultimately being reinvested into the community.
“People think they’re saving money by shopping on the Internet,” Cannon said in a statement “but I always ask, how many soccer teams, baseball teams and dance recitals have you seen sponsored by Amazon? Every time a little mom-and-pop goes out of business, that’s an ad you lose from your church bulletin.”
Shop Hamilton also marks a major shift for Biz 33; the group that was limited to business owners along Route 33 recently opened its membership to the broader businesses community.
Biz 33 is scheduled to host a meet-and-greet for potential members 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 29 at Blend Bar and Bistro, 911 Route 33, Hamilton.
Through the end of the year, Biz 33 is offering free membership to business owners who donate a $50 gift card or product of equal value. The organization plans to use the donations as prizes for its gift basket contest.
The public will have a shot at taking home those gift cards, along with about $1,000 in products and services from local businesses, when entering the Biz 33 gift basket contests. Entry-form coupons for three baskets may be located in local newspaper advertisements or at participating stores.
More information is online at shophamiltonnj.com.
