LOUISVILLE, KY (WDRB) –
Local businesses urged shoppers to avoid big box retailers this holiday season, but did it work?
The Louisville Independent Business Alliance says despite record online sales, plenty of shoppers opted to set foot in locally-owned stores.
Quest Outdoors, an independently owned store since it opened in the 80's, has always had a loyal local following.
"We had a very good turnout this year from people who would say, 'well we wanted to come here first,' and we really appreciate that," said store owner Ryan King.
King said it didn't hurt to remind other potential Louisville shoppers. As one of the more than 400 members of the Louisville Independent Business Association, Quest participated in the group's buy local initiative this holiday season.
"I think it's a coherent push instead of a lot of little voices getting lost in the fray. It really does help get a concise message out there," he said.
Association president Jennifer Rubenstein believes the push paid off this year.
"We don't expect people to do it 100 percent of the time, but when they vote with their dollars that way, it really supports what's unique about their town and keeps their neighborhood quality of life," she said.
This year, people who provided receipts from five different local stores, ones like Wild and Woolly Video, were entered into a drawing to win a thousand dollar shopping spree. With more shoppers than ever going online, store owners say they appreciate the effort.
"It's been really kind of heartwarming this year that so much of it stayed local," said King.
The drawing for that shopping spree will be held tomorrow. Anyone who still wants to enter can do so at Highland Cleaners or Feeders Supply.
