Program Overview
"Shop Local, Shop Red" is a dynamic economic development initiative (a part of the bigger Business Retention & Expansion program) in the Town of Red River, designed to boost the local economy by encouraging residents, business owners, and visitors to support and celebrate the town's unique small businesses. Through a blend of engaging events, social media promotion, and community collaboration, this program aims to foster community spirit and enhance Red River's reputation as a vibrant, locally-driven destination.
Program Objectives:
Boost Local Economy: The primary goal of the "Shop Local, Shop Red" program is to stimulate the local economy of Red River by encouraging residents, business owners, and visitors to support and invest in the town's small businesses. This will help create and sustain jobs, increase tax revenue, and strengthen the economic viability of the community.
Foster Community Engagement: The program aims to foster a sense of community by bringing residents, business owners, and visitors together to celebrate and support local businesses. By doing so, it will strengthen the bonds within the town and create a shared identity around the importance of supporting Red River's unique local businesses.
Enhance Red River's Reputation: "Shop Local, Shop Red" also seeks to enhance Red River's reputation as a destination that values and supports local businesses. A strong local business ecosystem can be a unique selling point for attracting visitors and promoting the town as a vibrant, economically sustainable community.
Target Audience:
The program targets three main audiences:
Local Residents: Encourage residents to prioritize local businesses for their daily needs and build a strong local shopping culture.
Business Owners: Rally local business owners to support each other and work collectively to strengthen the local business community.
Visitors: Educate and inspire visitors to choose local businesses for their purchases during their stay in Red River, boosting tourism's economic impact.
Promotion Channels:
The "Shop Local, Shop Red" program will be promoted through the following channels:
Dedicated Social Media Channel (Facebook): Establish a dedicated "Shop Local, Shop Red" Facebook page to regularly post about local businesses, special events, and promotions. Encourage followers to share their experiences and recommendations.
Visit Red River, NM Social Media Channels: Leverage Visit Red River, NM’s social media presence to promote the program on their social media platforms, reaching a wider audience of potential visitors.
Red River Chamber of Commerce Social Media Channels: Collaborate with the Chamber to promote the program to both businesses and residents.
Local News Sources: Send press releases and story pitches to local news outlets to gain coverage for the program and its events.
Small Advertising Campaigns: Run small-scale online advertising campaigns targeting Red River residents and nearby communities as well as target visitor markets to generate awareness and participation.
Program Events:
Red River Business Bingo (Small Business Saturday and Slow Weekends): Create a "Business Bingo" card featuring participating local businesses. Shoppers can complete the card by making purchases at these businesses, incentivizing them with prizes or discounts. This event will take place on Small Business Saturday and slow weekends throughout the year.
Local Vendor Markets: Organize periodic vendor markets where local businesses and artisans can showcase and sell their products. These markets can coincide with special occasions, seasons, or holidays to attract more visitors.
Seasonal Promotions: Encourage businesses to offer seasonal promotions, discounts, or unique experiences during different times of the year, enticing residents and visitors to explore and support local businesses.
Community Engagement Activities: Host events that bring the community together, such as block parties, live music, or other entertainment to create a festive atmosphere, drawing more people to local businesses.
By implementing the "Shop Local, Shop Red" program with these objectives, target audiences, promotion channels, and a variety of events, the Town of Red River Office of Economic Development & Tourism in partnership with the Red River Chamber of Commerce can help create a thriving and closely connected local business ecosystem that benefits the entire community.