(Rockville Centre, NY) As the holiday shopping season gets underway, the Mayor along with the Board of Trustees would like to remind residents to shop local and promote the thriving downtown. In recognition of the importance of shopping local, the Mayor announced Small Business Saturdays; parking will be free for patrons starting Saturday, November 30th through the New Years all day long.
According to elocal.com, if the citizens of an average American city were to shift 10% of their spending to local businesses, it would bring an additional $235 million per year to that community’s economy.
“Shopping local has become a popular movement across the country and it is no different here in the Village of Rockville Centre,” commented Mayor Francis X. Murray. “When you buy local you support local families and keep people in business, and that keeps jobs going.”
The holiday season is always critical for retailers, many of whom do 20 percent to 40 percent of their annual business during this period. The downtown business district is key to the future of the Village. Rockville Centre enjoys a thriving downtown, with new businesses coming in every week. The occupancy rate in the business district has risen to more than 96% with more shops and restaurant coming.
“Buying locally sustains the unique character and quality of life that exists in Rockville Centre,” added Deputy Mayor Nancy Howard. “We have a great variety of shops to meet every holiday shopping list.”
Beyond the economic impact of spending, buying locally supports the businesses that reinvest in the Village’s social and environmental well-being. Local stores are proportionally more generous in their support of local charities, schools, and community events.
Downtown Rockville Centre remains a diversified and vibrant business district. The Village is home to some one-of-a-kind specialty boutiques, yet there are choices to meet the needs of any family — home furnishings, sporting goods, clothes, hardware stores, florists, drug stores, gift shops, and a variety of other options. A diverse selection of restaurants allows residents and visitors to complete a long day of shopping.
“Shop local and help your fellow neighbor this holiday season,” concluded Mayor Murray.
