Shop Gilbert

For residents, Gilbert, Arizona is a quiet place to call home. For visitors, Gilbert is a vacation destination that offers peace and quiet without hordes of other tourists. There are plenty of small shops and independent retailers, but unfortunately the availability of huge shopping malls just a few miles away in other towns often leads to residents and visitors buying their day spa gifts elsewhere instead of helping to support their own community.

The solution

To help combat this trend, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce has instituted the "Shop Gilbert" program to encourage more people to spend their money at local shops. The campaign slogan is "Put Your Money Where Your House Is" and is supported by the Town of Gilbert, the Gilbert Republic newspaper, and various local Gilbert businesses. Through advertising and incentives, the program hopes to get more people turning to local shops when they need a wire rope pulley.

Why you should help

The unfortunate truth is that large malls have more retailers which leads to more selection and lower prices than small independent shops on similar merchandise. However, the cloth diapers you buy at the discount store are much lower quality than the ones you would find at a quality retailer. Additionally, buying outside the town means your sales tax dollars go to support the town you shopped in, not Gilbert. Buying your products in town means helping finance everything from pothole fixes to playgrounds.

How you can help

If you're a consumer, you can help simply by doing your shopping here in Gilbert. If you've never explored the retail districts before, you may be surprised by how much there is to choose from. You can buy chocolates, candles, soap, coffee, office supplies, party supplies, farm equipment like horse waterers, plants, dishes, gift baskets, health products, jewelry, musical instruments, pet supplies, picture frames, toys, food, and clothes at local specialty stores. There are also several department stores and discount retailers including Wal-Mart, Macy's, and Costco. For a full list consult the Chamber of Commerce directory.

If you're a business, you can help both yourself and your town by registering to become a part of the Shop Gilbert program. Everyone will find out about Teak Garden Furniture Toronto and you'll be helping fund Gilbert's public improvement projects. To register, you will have to help sponsor the program. Registration can be done online or through the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.

Gilbert AZ Real Estate

Tuesday, March 09, 2010