The CRIBA Blog :: Live Local, Buy Local » Author: Jim Gile

New Siena Poll Predicts Similar Christmas Spending – But Where Will We Spend It?

jim — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:55:02 +0000

Well, the new Siena poll is out this morning, and it appears that Christmas shopping levels will be about the same in the Capital Region this year. So, the real question is, “How much of that money will you spend locally?” The Siena Poll states that 54% of New Yorkers prefer to buy locally when they can, so that is a good start. At CRIBA, we would like to challenge you to pick a percentage of your overall spending this Christmas, that you are comfortable with, and make it your goal to spend that with locally owned, independent businesses. Whether it is 10%, 20%, 50% or even higher, any percentage will help local merchants — and this will directly help us all by stimulating the Capital Region economy. So, please, choose your comfort level and give it a try.

Our directory of local businesses is almost ready for its initial launch. Thank you for all your help – please continue to submit listings after the launch. This site will be a constant work in progress and we are relying on all of you to help us populate it.

One other noteworthy items from the Siena poll. Apparently, more than half of New Yorkers prefer to hear “Merry Christmas” this year.

So, Merry Christmas!

Siena Poll Sites Drop in Consumer Confidence but there Could be a Silver Lining

jim — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:45:56 +0000

The Siena Research Institute released their latest poll results yesterday citing a drop in consumer confidence. Consumer confidence levels dropped 1.9 percent in October, but if overall results from the last year are examined more closely there could be very positive signs heading into the Christmas shopping season.

Consumer confidence levels in October of 2009 are actually nearly 30% higher than they were in October 2008. One would hope this is good news for local merchants in the Capital Region. Last year was certainly a very difficult Christmas season for all retailers, especially in Upstate New York. But, we cannot ignore the fact that consumer confidence was so very low last year that things should be looking up for 2009 Christmas shopping based on the current levels in the SRI poll.

Less Choice for Christmas but Maybe Lower Prices

jim — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:12:37 +0000

According to the Retail Council of NYS, retailers may have a little less inventory on the shelf this year, but what they do have may be cheaper. The Retail Council conducted a member survey which indicated that NYS retailers were cautious this year but most thought the season would be as good or better than last year. Also, retailers seemed to be aware of the price conscious public and will be catering to them with lower cost items.

At CRIBA, we encourage you to buy your gifts from locally owned independent businesses whenever you can. Don’t fall for the myth that the local guy is always more expensive. The Capital Region is loaded with many innovative retailers that sell quality products at competitive prices.

November 4th Press Release from the Retail Council of NYS

Make Black Friday Green in 2009

jim — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:20:14 +0000

In this state, and in this economy, buying from locally owned independent businesses this Christmas is more important than ever. At CRIBA, we would like to challenge everyone to keep as much money in the local economy this year as possible.

So, how does that make Black Friday Green? Two ways. First, green is the color of money. Money spent at locally owned businesses creates 3 times the return in the local economy than dollars spent at chains. Second, independent, community-serving businesses are people-sized. They consume less land, carry more locally-made products, locate closer to residents and create less traffic and air pollution. What’s greener than that?

“But, it’s hard to find the gifts I want to buy at local businesses,” you say in, let’s be honest, a whiny tone. Not any more, we are launching a local directory just in time for Christmas shopping on Nov 23rd – 4 days before Black, I mean, Green Friday at CapitalRegion.com.

“But, how can I help?” you ask, now in a much better tone. Go to www.capitalregion.com. If you are a retailer, send us your info to make sure we include in our directory. If you are a consumer, just sign up to receive alerts and other updates. Follow us on Twitter. Find us on Facebook. Come on people now….

NFIB Breakfast an Informative Success

jim — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:52:56 +0000

Thanks to Mike Elmendorf, former Pataki Advisor and current NYS Director of the NFIB, Capital Bank and Professor Java’s, this morning’s breakfast was a success. Capital Bank, one of the founding members of CRIBA, was kind enough to play host at their Wolf Road Branch. Professor Java’s, also a founder, provided coffee and breakfast.

NYS Director of the NFIB Mike Elmendorf Speaks to CRIBA group at Capital Bank

The breakfast was well-attended and Mike Elmendorf spoke at length about the recent elections in Albany and what the results will most likely mean for independent businesses over the next six to 12 months. Elmendorf also touched on the national election and how that outcome may effect independent businesses nationally relative to the previously defeated Employee Free Choice Act.

Also discussed was the influence of the Working Families Party in Albany and the current Governor’s push to cut spending. In addition, Elmendorf answered questions regarding unions, the disappearance of manufacturing jobs and the current status of workers’ comp in NYS.