The Friday after Thanksgiving means Black Friday to most, but to a growing number of others, November 27th is PLAID FRIDAY!! Plaid Friday began as a way for shoppers to support the creativity and diversity of their local economy and commitment to buying gifts from locally owned businesses during the holiday season. Plaid Friday was created in Oakland, CA to bring back the times when shopping for friends and family was a pleasurable leisurely activity. Now Plaid Friday is celebrated throughout the nation as a kick-off event to the National Shift Your Shopping Campaign which encourages shoppers to eat, drink and buy local, especially during the holiday season.
Plaid serves as a reminder that we’re not merely consumers in our economy, but also producers — creating a stronger local economy together through the purchases we make. Buying local offers offer you opportunities to have fun, reconnect with neighbors and shop with your values in mind. But that’s not all. According to the American Independent Business Alliance: “on average, 48 percent of each purchase at local independent businesses recirculates locally, compared to less than 14 percent of purchases at chain stores.” When you choose local and independent everybody wins!
So sleep in this Friday morning, relax with your loved ones over an extra cup of coffee, skip the crazy crowds, don your favorite plaid to show your support for our local economy, and shop thoughtfully for gift unique and dynamic gifts this holiday season. If you’re reading this and live locally, check out Monadnock Buy Local for information on year round events and all they off our local communities.