Shopping at locally owned stores means more of the money a person spends stays in the community. That’s why the group Locally Owned Tallahassee and city and county officials say gift givers should remember to make their purchases at home-town stores this holiday season. The group's president, Joe Berg said they're kicking things off with a newly designed local shopping mascot.
“TallyBought 3,000, which is the amicable, fun robot who had a great idea with a light bulb over his head –shop local, play more," Berg said.
Berg said the lime green, roller skating robot is meant to remind people that shopping can be fun.
“One of the ideas that we came up with when we were speaking with folks is the fact that shopping regularly becomes a chore. You have to go to the grocery store. And you have to do all this shopping and then maybe you get to the holiday and you have to do a whole lot of shopping. And it reminded us that it used to be fun. You know, when you were 18 and you got your first pay check and thought, ‘I can buy something on my own now and I don’t have to ask for $10,’” Berg said.
He said in some ways shopping locally is more of a social activity. Shoppers meet people they know, get to know the shop owners and experience a little of the city’s culture. And Berg said his group picked the TallyBought robot because it appeals to shoppers both young and old, adding that now’s the time to hook young shoppers.
“In 10 years an 8-year-old is going to be driving and spending their own money for the first time and they’re future care-takers of Tallahassee.”
Meanwhile, local leaders, like Mayor John Marks and Leon County Commission Chair Nick Maddox are recognizing the coming weekend as an official local shopping event. Maddox said local businesses provide the community with important services and support.
“These people are the people who are the life line and blood of our community. They now only care enough about our community to live here, but they care enough about our community to start local businesses right here in Leon County and for that we appreciate each and every one of you,” Maddox said.
Many local businesses in several areas of town are planning to have special events during the three-days to celebrate the local shopping weekend.
