NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Spend your hard-earned money in New Brunswick, and chances are, it will come back to you. That is the message behind New Brunswick City Market’s “Shop Local” program that launched this week. By shopping downtown, you will boost the local economy, increase neighborhood employment, and, this week only, snag a free pair of Rutgers basketball tickets.

Pamela Stefanek, Executive Director of New Brunswick City Market, explained that shopping locally, rather than online or at a mall of chain stores, has a better impact on the community, a claim based on several studies conducted over the last 10 years.

One study, commissioned by the Andersonville Development Corporation in Chicago, found that supporting local, independent businesses generates 25% more local economic activity than chain establishments. For every 100 dollars spent in local stores, 68 dollars returns to the community as opposed to 43 dollars from chain stores.

The community sees a return in the form of jobs, payroll and property taxes. Local businesses are more likely to purchase supplies from local wholesalers, whereas chain stores bring in their supplies from national outlets.

City Market, through a partnership with Rutgers Athletics, is offering a pair of Rutgers basketball tickets – for this weekend, while supplies last – to any person who shops at three local retail outlets. Products like jewelry, cameras, phones, shoes, clothes and gift certificates count towards the ticket award. The receipts must be brought to the City Market office at One Penn Plaza by Friday, November 13 to qualify.

For more information, please visit New Brunswick City Market.

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