Salem, MA. . . A new campaign encourages residents to shop local and support the independently owned small businesses that make Salem, Massachusetts a unique place to live, work, and visit. A mailing to residents, a punch card promotion, new holiday light displays, and new street banners all promote the #StayLocalSalem campaign this winter.
“We want to remind people of the diversity of retail in downtown Salem and encourage them to spend locally and support the businesses that are, in many cases, owned by our friends and neighbors,” says Kylie Sullivan, director of Salem Main Streets, adding, “Shopping in Salem is convenient, safe, and unique.”
Salem’s downtown retail mix includes artists’ studios, jewelry shops, specialty foods, housewares, apparel, and seasonal items. Many of the businesses have built online stores and offer shipping or curbside pick-up. Businesses that are offering in-store shopping have health and safety guidelines in place that include capacity limits, hand sanitizer, and plexiglass barriers to keep employees and shoppers safe.
Many restaurants are open for both take-out and dining in, and most sell gift certificates, which make a great gift! Restaurants have also implemented new safety protocols, including removing tables, adhering to reduced capacity limits, and installing barriers between tables and booths.
Museums including the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem Witch Museum, and The House of the Seven Gables are open as well, as are their shops, providing both unique gifts and a safe activity.
“Keeping dollars local helps improve our city’s economy,” says Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, “Our small, creative, locally owned businesses carry unique products and services and are part of our city’s special charm and character. Shopping local helps keep your neighbor in business and ensures your gift is one of a kind!”
More than 50 businesses are participating in the #StayLocalSalem campaign, which kicks off on Friday, December 4. Customers can bring the “Stay Local Salem” postcard to receive a punch with purchase. After five punches, the card can be entered for a chance to win a Salem Staycation prize. Cards are available from participating businesses, as well.
New this year, Salem Winterlude is an initiative that will bring new holiday lights, public art, holiday installations, window decorations, and selfie stations to the downtown and Charlotte Forten Park. Salem Winterlude is produced by Creative Collective and Salem Main Streets with support by Bench Consulting and funding by Barr Foundation and the City of Salem.
Holiday installations and the Stay Local campaign will run through December 31. Complete information can be found at
salem.org/staylocal and on the Destination Salem app.
As the COVID crisis continues to evolve and Massachusetts travel order tightens, encouraging local patronage of businesses that are traditionally supported by a mix of tourist and local dollars is crucial to small business survival. To that end, the #StayLocalSalem and #StayLocal2020 campaigns were developed by Creative Collective. The Salem campaign compliments the Massachusetts campaign that encourages residents to put their money where their hearts are and #LoveMyLocalMA.
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