Merchants Prepare to Hold A Second 'Buy Local Month'

Candace Braun

The Community-Based Neighborhood Retail Initiative, a subgroup of Princeton Future, met on Friday, August 13, to discuss the ways in which it will promote its second "Buy Local Month" this October. Buy Local was initiated last year to encourage more shopping in downtown Princeton.

One feature of the month-long event that will return is the "Prix Fixe" policy at local restaurants. Patrons who eat at Main Street, Theresa's, Mediterra, The Yankee Doodle Tap Room, The Peacock Inn, The Ferry House, and Blue Point Grill on designated days will be able to purchase specified meals at a fixed cost of $15 for lunch and $20 for dinner, said Sheldon Sturges, co-chair of Princeton Future.

Pending final approval from the Borough, children from the local schools will also participate in Buy Local Month by making scarecrows that will be displayed all along Nassau Street, from the corner of Harrison and Nassau Streets, to Coldwell Banker, near the intersection of Route 206, said Kathy Morolda, president of Borough merchants and proprietor of the Cranbury Station Gallery.

Other marketing ideas that may be instituted include distributing free parking Smart Cards through a lottery, said Teri McIntire, marketing consultant for the Borough. The municipality is also looking to provide two hours of free parking in the Borough garages on Saturdays throughout the month. Patrons can validate their parking after purchasing an item in town and repeating the phrase "Buy Local" at the register.

Princeton University will also hold its annual Community Day on Saturday, October 16. Those merchants and community organizations interested in having a booth should contact Pam Hersh, director of the Office of Community and State Affairs at the University, at (609) 258-3018.

Buy Local Month will conclude on Saturday, October 30, with an opening ceremony for the Borough's new plaza at the corner of Witherspoon and Spring Streets.

CBNR will hold its next meeting on Friday, September 10.