Local businesses fight to protect city's economy

By Stephanie Butler

CAMBRIDGE – Blue and white stickers are ubiquitous in the store windows of Harvard Square. Each sticker symbolizes that the business is independent and locally-owned.

While local officials have long stressed the benefit of supporting local businesses, their reasons have more resonance due to the growing economic crisis. Cambridge Local First, an organization that includes more than 250 independent businesses, argues that buying locally strengthens the city economy, and will help buffer the city from a major economic disaster by ensuring that more money is funneled into the community.

The campaign was co-founded in October 2005 by owners of several independent stores in the city, including Frank Kramer, former owner of the Harvard Book Store.

Local businesses spend nearly 45 percent of their profits in the community, compared to 14 percent by national chains, according to a 2003 study in Maine sponsored by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Local businesses also offer the most new jobs to residents in Cambridge, and are the largest employer group nationally, according to Cambridge Local First.

Independent businesses also help preserve the city’s character, and cities that are more unique tend to attract more investment, residents, and tourists, according to the website.

Not everyone thinks that buying local is better for the city economy though.

While the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce encourages residents to support local businesses, it doesn’t hold that the presence of chain stores negatively impacts the local economy.