23 Jan February 2015 Monthly Chair Report
February 2015
Amy Barry
Local First
CVS Pharmacy is purchasing the property at 1300 E 2100 S where the car wash currently sits. Representatives of this project will be at the February 4th meeting so you can come and learn more and comment.
While CVS pharmacy folks have been very open and receptive to our ideas and feedback many of the comments I have received have been the lament of another chain store in the neighborhood. One of the reasons I love living in Sugar House is the eclectic combination of locally owned stores, but I know that many prefer chains as well. I hope we have a community big enough for all of them.
This does raise the issue though for those that like locally owned stores and that is one of support. If you like them please support them by shopping there. Studies vary on the actual dollar amount, but they do consistently show that for every dollar you spend locally you make a bigger impact in the local economy. One study looking at the impact in Salt Lake City suggests a benefit of 4 times for the positive economic benefit by shopping locally.
Local First has a campaign to advocate to shift 10% of your spending to a locally owned store, which seems easy enough to accomplish here in Sugar House.
Bottom line if we want to have a community where small, locally owned businesses flourish it takes you and your dollars to support them. As we approach spring I hope you can get out into the community and shop at your favorite stores and perhaps find a few new ones.
