Think Local, Thank Local

12/01/2021

The closing of Harvard Square’s last Starbucks on Nov. 21 took many by surprise but gives visitors a chance to discover or rediscover the square's many other locations for coffee, snacks, first dates, late-night check-ins and study binges.

11/28/2021

11/27/2021

Take a trip to some of our favorite local businesses today for Small Business Saturday!

We’re partnering with Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts and the Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network to highlight some incredible Black-owned businesses. To learn more about the Passport to Black-Owned Businesses event, download your “passport” and event map, and enter the event raffle, visit here: https://www.sbnmass.org/passport-event

How to participate:
1. Download your passport OR pick one up at any participating business on the day of the event.

2. Visit at least 3 participating businesses on 11/27 and ask them the trivia question listed on their page to get your passport stamped AND/OR see specific rules for each business participating virtually.

Note: you must interact with at least three businesses to be entered into the raffle. Additional entries will be given to those who interact with more than three businesses.

3. Mail your answers to the trivia questions or proof of virtual participation to [email protected] by Monday, November 29.

The winner will be announced on November 30!

11/26/2021

Move over, Black Friday! Today is Plaid Friday!!

Celebrate the diversity and creativity of local, independent businesses with this alternative to big box store consumer frenzy. The name ‘Plaid Friday’ was chosen from the idea of weaving individual threads of small businesses together to create a strong fabric that celebrates independent businesses!

Visit any local business today wearing plaid and tag us in your photo with the hashtag to enter the Local First Holiday Giveaway! You can also enter the giveaway by sharing this post on your story! Learn more at bit.ly/HOL21WK.



Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network American Independent Business Alliance

11/26/2021

Shop Local Weekend begins today!!

Kick off the holiday shopping season right! We at Cambridge Local First, Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts, and Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network are launching a month full of holiday programming with four days of events and giveaways featuring Black-owned businesses, independent artists, and other local businesses in and around Cambridge.

The more events you participate in, the more entries you get into our Local First Holiday Giveaway, where you can win gift cards and gift baskets featuring specially curated items, all from locally-owned, independent businesses!

Visit the Shop Local Weekend webpage for event details, a list of participating businesses, and more: https://cambridgelocalfirst.org/shoplocalweekend.

Today is Plaid Friday! Celebrate the diversity and creativity of local, independent businesses with this alternative to the big box store consumer frenzy.

How to participate: Visit any local business on our list while wearing plaid. Post a picture on your Instagram story or Twitter with the hashtag and tag Cambridge Local First (2 raffle entries). You can also submit your photo through this form or email it to [email protected]. Bonus raffle entries if there are multiple people in the picture!

11/11/2021

Sing it!

'Tis the season to ...

10/14/2021

Shop Early, Shop Local: October is the New December!

Supply and staffing shortages mean locally owned businesses face even more challenges this year.

Let’s ensure that independent businesses have strong end-of-the-year sales by supporting them now:

- Pre-order gifts and supplies today
- Buy a gift card
- Support their fundraising campaigns
- Donate to your community’s Independent Business Alliance
- Share on social media how much you love locally owned businesses (tag your post with )
- Share October is the December posts on social media

A huge thank you to the American Booksellers Association for creating the October is the New December campaign to boost the Shop Early, Shop Local message. Check out their campaign here: https://www.indiebound.org/shop-early

https://amiba.net/october-is-the-new-december/

Shop Indie Local American Independent Business Alliance

October is the New December: A campaign launched by American Booksellers Association. Shop Early, Shop Local.

10/14/2021

Yes.

10/06/2021

Want to find out the latest at Cambridge Local First? Check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/cambridgelocalfirst