5.04.2009

The 3/50 Project


This intrigues me. I find it to be a brilliant idea. It really doesn't go along with my shopping hiatus, but if I were to need gift then this would totally work. Also I purchase my plants for my garden at a local shop so I guess I am seeing this work for me already. What would be your top 3 shops?

{via simple + pretty, via Housemartin}

29 comments:

yvonne said...

What a great idea to buy gifts at independent stores to support local economies. I'll definitely be doing this.

Tina { Luphia Loves... } said...

such a great idea!!

taylor said...

Hmmm in Birmingham my top 3 are:
Mr. P's deli and butcher shop in Hoover. Delicious meat and especially steaks at a very reasonable price.
Bella Couture Bridal boutique in Mt. Laurel because I used to work there and the owner, Colleen, truly runs a marvelous business!
And my #1 is most definately Salon Loba in Cahaba Heights! The lovely Monica owns this wonderful salon and is an incredible artist! I'm afraid you can't really go there every month, but you can certainly spend more than $50 when you do! :)

bluehydrangea said...

O.K. I will do my duty and go shopping today..but only because it will help the economy NOT because I want a little treat for myself. Guilt free shopping..what could be better!!

PS~Erin said...

I like how this is written out so plainly... And who doesn't love a little extra rationalization for our purchases? I'll have to tuck this little nugget of information into my back pocket for later.

Jennie Bee said...

I posted about this today also.. and Fully support it, And thought about It when the Shopping Hiatus was continued because not shopping local would hurt the small shops.

kadler said...

Very, very interesting. Back in the US, I loved shopping locally. Not sure how much influence it has here in Hong Kong, but I still try as much as possible.

inkWELL Press said...

Love this idea, might need to post about it this week myself. I completely agree with the concept.

Rachel said...

1.Bama Fever in the Galleria, b/c it is my family's business and so I understand everything this article is talking about.
2. Soca in Homewood, b/c they have adorable clothes at a reasonable price and the customer service is wonderful.
3. Wildflower Wax Candle Studio, this is a GREAT place for all your candle needs. The owners are the most adorable people. And they have just now started selling clothes there!

Adventures in Newlywed said...

What a fabulous idea - there are too many little shops in Dallas that I already patronize...but I'll keep doing it!

Julia said...

What a great idea! I need to start thinking of which three would be mine!

Miss | A said...

i put etsy on my exclusions list for this very reason. :)

Jennifer said...

love this! I come from a family of lots of small business owners, so I definitely think it's important.

I really don't know if I can pick just three! I have a little list of shops/restaurants in every little town we frequent. Off the top of my head, I love all the little Homewood home shops and always have to stop at my hometown BBQ place and sandwich shop when I'm there.

wanted to visit Hanna this weekend, but found pretty hydrangeas at Mt Laurel Grocery of all places and they did the trick.

Christina said...

this is a great idea! one of my top shops would be the vintage shop i work at on saturdays. i also know i easily spend $50 a month in independent restaurants and coffee shops in town.

Sarah Klassen said...

Thanks so much for posting this, Paula! This is a great idea...I too, come from a family that owns a small, successful business.

It almost makes cry when I think of all my favorite boutiques that could potentially go out of business. I was raised to support my local independents as much as possible - to me, they offer flavor to the city in which you live. Some owners have become my mentors and my friends, in fact, and have been an important part of my life...

I worked at a boutique for about 5 years, located in a sweet, little village, and have recently gone back for a day or two a week (on top of my full-time work) to help out...not only did I miss selling children's fashion, but now is the time to help if you can!

Narrowing down to just 3 is difficult, but I would have to say: Olver & Lilly's, PuddleJumpers, and Montage.

Aline said...

I love this idea! I try to shop local as much as I can!!

Mrs. Filly said...

I love this idea! :) I'm doing my part by investing in strawberry farms and nurserys that counts right

Mrs. Filly said...

oh and the salon nick works at! that counts too. Salon on Hagood totally privately owned and the owner is quite fabulous! they do a great job and they deserve support

Blair Friedeman said...

I just saw this on a local flower shops blog and thought it was such a great idea! I would have to say the aforementioned shop, Lily&Co, and a local gift and stationary store called Paper&Grace.

Rachel Follett said...

I love this! The statistics are incredible yet not surprising. Thank you for sharing this!

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

Thanks for posting this... I'll defintely keep it in mind when making purchases in the future.

I think I would be with Jennifer on the Homewood shops- I'll count At Home/ Three Sheets as my first shop. Second- I'll go with Leaf and Petal. And third- V. Richard's Market which is close to my house. I wish I could buy all of my groceries from there... but the budget doesn't allow it! So I enjoy picking up a few things there from time to time.

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

Fantastic idea...I shop locally as well at least try my best to do just that. Lovely new week to you dear!

Unknown said...

i love this idea - i own a shop (www.fairefroufrou.com) and would love to see something like this in effect. after all, i do quite a bit of local spending on my own!
xox

Waxy said...

My local garden store is going to get way more than their fair share of my money by the end of the month!

Haven and Home said...

Brilliant ideas. I try to shop local, small stores grab my heart!

megan @ a life's design said...

fabulous idea! i will definitely do this.

Susie (So Blessed) said...

Wonderful post...and so very important to the success of local businesses. Being part of a 70 year old tile and floor covering family business reminds me every day how much I appreciate the customers who support small, locally owned businesses...and I try to return the favor. Thanks for passing along this encouragement for others to do so, as well.

Susie
(Blueprint Bliss' Mom)

Kelee Katillac said...

Good idea Paula! Thanks for sharing it!

Unknown said...

This is a wonderful idea! I've started doing this myself. Shopping at the local antique stores which wouldn't survive otherwise. Spread the word is how we do it :)