Press Release

National Trust for Historic Preservation Launches a "Shop Main Street" Website for the Holidays


Washington, D.C., November 24, 2006—The National Trust Main Street Center has launched http://www.shopmainstreet.org, a directory of "Mom & Pop" businesses located in Main Street communities throughout the nation, to encourage holiday shoppers to support independent businesses by buying gifts online.

"Many Americans love the unique items that independent businesses sell – products they can’t find at large, national retailers. Others like to support independent business owners and the entrepreneurial spirit in America. They now have a single directory to help channel their shopping dollars," says Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center. "By choosing to shop on Main Street, people will send a strong message that they value independent businesses as well as the historic or traditional shopping districts in which they are located."

The interactive website allows online shoppers to search independent businesses in Main Street communities by state or by merchandise category. The National Trust Main Street Center supports more than 1,200 volunteer-driven, nonprofit Main Street organizations dedicated to revitalizing their historic commercial districts. Many of these districts are home to unique businesses, local artists, and entrepreneurs who help build community character, as well as the local economy, and reflect local heritage in both their merchandise and the historic buildings they occupy.

Why is supporting small, independent businesses on Main Street important?

  • Buying from independent businesses has a greater economic impact. Recent studies have shown that a larger share of each dollar spent in a local business stays in the community as compared to chain stores. Furthermore, the economic impact of dollars spent at local businesses is increased through a local multiplier effect.
  • Community-based businesses give more time and money to community activities. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses give more time and money to charitable organizations than do their large competitors.
  • Online shopping for holiday sales is rising for all businesses. In 2005, E-commerce sites rang up more than $30.1 billion during the weeks leading up to Christmas, according to an eSpending report produced by Goldman Sachs, Nielsen/NetRatings, and Harris Interactive. Online sales positively affect the bottom line for independent businesses and can make a difference in their ability to remain competitive and stay open.
  • Vibrant Main Streets help reduce sprawl and maintain community character. Local businesses reflect the character of their community through their unique products, services, and atmosphere and through their location in historic buildings, which preserve an authentic sense of place. These districts embody smart growth principles by concentrating retail; offering housing on Main Street or nearby to create pedestrian-friendly communities; and using community resources, such as infrastructure, tax dollars, and land, wisely.
  • For more reasons to shop Main Street, visit www.shopmainstreet.org.

For more information contact: David Tully, Webmaster, National Trust Main Street Center, 202-588-6020.