Lansing, Ill. – Shop Local Movement is a grassroots organization that is fighting for the small, independently run businesses of the South Suburban Chicago and Northwest Indiana area that is about to officially launch a range of online resources to help support local businesses, according to a news release from the organization.
Shop Local Movement’s goal is to promote local and independently run businesses and to preserve the community-based establishments that add value to the local economy and culture, according to Maleesa Losnedahl, Shop Local Movement’s president and CEO.
It is Shop Local Movement’s mission to provide these businesses with the exposure and tools necessary to reach their target audience. Community building is a key component of their mission and they seek to build a strong and valuable network among local business owners, residents, and other community organizations.
“Our service area is really the epitome of Main Street,” Losnedahl said. “There are so many great little establishments that need our support. We want to help provide the exposure necessary for these places to succeed.”
The Shop Local Movement website is the hub of activity, offering a directory of local establishments, a blog that features local businesses and artisans, and other tools and resources for fellow localists, she said. The calculated use of social networking, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram are vital mediums for local businesses in order to reach consumers and to build a Shop Local family. Frequent contests and drawings mean special offers and prizes from businesses that are right in your own backyard.
“Sustainability is pivotal today, both environmental and economic. In order to build a self-sustaining local economy these businesses need to thrive,” said Losnedahl. “Local businesses generate 70 percent more local economic activity per square foot that those big box stores, so shifting even some of your spending to local establishments can make a huge difference.”
Shop Local Movement was the brain child of Losnedahl and her now teenage daughter, Maya Losnedahl, who began frequenting local businesses together in order to locate the most unique places that this area has to offer.
“We want people to think local before they buy,” said Maya Losnedahl. “I live and go to school in Lansing. These local business owners are my friend’s parents, our neighbors, and our family. For me, community means taking care of each other.”
The organization’s directory and calendar, while still being developed, include some businesses from Homewood and Flossmoor.
For more information visit www.shoplocalmovement.org or contact Lalinda De La Fuente at [email protected] or 708-941-3785. Shop Local Movement can also be followed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
