Cincinnati Stores Ask Residents to Break the Big-Box Chain

On November 22, locally-owned businesses across Greater Cincinnati are urging area residents support the city's vibrant independent businesses by shopping locally-only. Taking part in Cincinnati Unchained, a shop local event throughout Greater Cincinnati that day, the businesses are offering promotions to help shoppers unchain themselves from big-box retailers and citizens reengage with their business community.

More than 35 businesses are participating, all offering either in-store specials or donating to a local charity. In College Hill, the College Hill Coffee Co. is offering a gift with purchase and discounts on select items. In Over-the-Rhine, new lighting store Switch will give 20 percent off select lighting fixtures. With mention of "Cincinnati Unchained," O'Bryonville's indigenous will donate 10 percent of your purchase to O'Bryonville Animal Rescue.

Local web magazine BuyCincy is producing the event with media sponsorship by CityBeat. 2008 marks the 2nd year of this annual event, which is organized with the intention of bringing the positive benefits of locally-owned businesses to the forefront of residents' minds this holiday

season.

"Locally-owned businesses are vital to the success of our region. Not only do existing independent businesses help to stimulate our local economy, they serve as community pillars – unique places where a neighborhood's individuality shines and citizens can experience a sense of place," said Sean Fisher, BuyCincy's co-Founder and Creative Director. "By supporting our local businesses we can keep that neighborhood vibrancy alive, while promoting the American spirit of entrepreneurialism."

Kurt Myers, co-Founder and Business Director of BuyCincy: "Local businesses are often our friends and neighbors. Ultimately, they are what make Greater Cincinnati a unique place to live. Our hope is that the success of Cincinnati Unchained will encourage people to shop locally throughout the year, helping the strengthen our economy and local neighborhoods."

According to Jennifer Rockne, Director of AMIBA,"Studies from small towns in Maine to sizeable cities like Austin, Texas found that locally-owned independent businesses create about three and a half times the local economic activity as chains do. Why? Because our independent businesses pay local employees, use the goods and services of other local independent businesses and give back to community institutions far more than chains."

Please visit www.buycincy.com/unchained for details.