Thumbs up for Buy Nearby in Traverse City

What’s better than a summer trip to the cherry capital of the world?  Nothing that we can think of!  This summer Buy Nearby has been traveling around Michigan, spreading the word about the importance of shopping nearby and today’s stop was Traverse City!

Traverse City Mayor Michael Estes and Brad Van Dommelen, president and CEO of Traverse City Tourism, said buying nearby keeps communities across Michigan alive and well.

“Our area retailers – large and small – offer visitors fun and authentic Traverse City experiences, whether that’s hanging out at the Downtown Street Sale, sailing on Grand Traverse Bay, visiting our fine wineries, brew pubs and restaurants or shopping at the many businesses in the Traverse City area,” Van Dommelen said.

Local retailers came out to support Buy Nearby and excite the community about the Downtown Street Sale happening in Traverse City this weekend!  Karen Hilt, owner of My Secret Stash local gift shop, shared that buying nearby allows shoppers to support Michigan makers whose dream is to create something on their own.

View more clips from the event here!

The Buy Nearby campaign illustrates the value of supporting local retailers in Michigan.  If residents made sure to buy nearby, rather than from out-of-state sellers, Michigan’s economy would grow by more than $9 billion and nearly 75,000 new jobs would be created.

Buy Nearby still has a few more stops to finish out the summer, with our next one being in Marquette in September for a little U.P. love!