Saving the Brick & Mortars
Our Nation is Built On

The 3/50 Project is a Buy Local campaign that sprung from a simple blog post in March 2009, supporting independent, locally owned, "brick and mortar" businesses. By educating consumers about the impact of their spending habits, the Project's goal is to increase consumer spending in a way that delivers the greatest amount of financial benefit to local community economies.

Instead of a “buy local” all-or-nothing approach, consumers are asked to simply select three locally owned stores that they wouldn’t want to see go away and spend a combined $50 a month at them. By focusing consumers on only three businesses and $50, the Project message was viewed as simple, personal and achievable—without being exclusionary, political, or protectionist.

Although the premise of The 3/50 Project is simple, its impact can be huge. According to The 3/50 Project, $68 of every $100 spent in independently owned stores returns to the local community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures.

Spread the word about The 3/50 Project. Businesses can go to The 3/50 Project website, sign up as a participating business, and download free promotional materials like flyers and window signs. Shoppers can go to the site to sign up as supporters of The 3/50 Project and to see listings of participating businesses.

Regional and national media have embraced the Project, resulting in coverage by The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Consumer Reports, CNN, and The Washington Post.

As an independently owned business, the Art Armory, strongly supports The 3/50 Project. It’s simple. Pick 3 – Spend $50 – Save Your Local Economy. This message is unique because it’s one of balance, and not about giving up big chain stores all-together. Stop and look at your spending and decide what local businesses mean the most to you.