Raleigh mayor urges people to shop local

Raleigh, N.C. — In an effort to help local independent businesses thrive, Mayor Charles Meeker declared this week “Independent’s Week.”

“All of those businesses you know and love, you need to shop with them today if you want them to be here tomorrow,” Meeker said.

Meeker said local businesses create much needed jobs. In the North Hills shopping center alone, Meeker said 60 local stores keep 2,000 people employed.

Jennifer Huggard, owner of Tyler House located at 4421 Six Forks Road in the North Hills shopping center, hopes people are listening to the mayor’s message. Tyler House has been open for more than 40 years, but Huggard says this year, so far, has been the toughest.

“It has been a challenge,” Huggard said.

In this economy, Huggard said she is saving where she can and is quicker to offer deals to customers.

Huggard said it is more important now than ever to support local businesses, like hers, that put money earned back into the neighborhood.

“We have local accountants. We use local advertising people. We support local charities,” Huggard said.

Angela Krause, owner of the local children’s furnishings boutique Dilly Dally, said local merchants really know their customers. Dilly Dally is also located in North Hills.

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Latest Comments

Mayor Meeker needs to put his money where his mouth is. I call on the City of Raleigh and their vendor of choice for the product that my company offers is located in Richmond, VA.

BuglessDuster
July 9, 2009 8:25 a.m.

If you can't find items you are looking for in local stores, how can you buy local. I get on the internet and or EBay and can find almost any product that I am looking for usually for for less, & have it delivered in 3 days. We have too many big box retailers that don't carry items if they can't sell 10,000 per month of them. Specifically, I'm referring to Wal-Mart and Home Depot. Evertime I shop there, I ask for an item on my list and am told 'we don't carry that', so I go home & get on the computer and buy all that I want for a good price.

fkhaywood
July 3, 2009 2:04 p.m.

Sunneyone, you do not shop at the Farmer's Market or you would know that you are paying more than grocery store prices. The advantage of the Farmer's Market is that most times (you do have to check the product) it's more fresh. When you go to the Farmers Market, you are also going to watch other people and the hustle and bustle.

Even the Farmer's Market, except the folks selling it out of the back of the trucks and a single table, are very commercialized and especially those with booths/stores, they are "partnering" with food providers but their full-time jobs are the same as the "local" Harris Teeter cashier.

MarcoPolo
July 3, 2009 1:46 p.m.

Wow, so shopping local is a bad thing? Way to be neighborly. Sheesh. I agree with shopping local, especially at the Farmer's Market. I'm surprised that some of y'all are so concerned about local Farmers but you didn't voice support for the Farmer's Market? THEY are actually cheaper than produce at the grocery store. It's a win-win all around. At least give them a shot.

sunneyone
July 3, 2009 12:48 p.m.

Another option is buying from neighboring states. When we vacation in SC and VA, we make a point of buying as many goods as possible (clothing, food, luxery items). Both of these states have lower tax rates and are less than about 3 hours away.

We come back with a full car and we fill up the car with gas (both also cheaper) before crossing that state line. It's really a pleasant and relaxing trip.

MarcoPolo
July 3, 2009 12:40 p.m.