Go Local

Union Square welcomes all sorts of investment, but we place a special priority on recruiting and encouraging the patronizing of local and independently owned businesses. Many of the businesses in Union Square are owned by people who live right here in 02143. Together we’re improving the economy of Union Square, strengthening the community ties and keeping our precious dollars circulating in the neighborhood for greatest impact.

Retro Look at Saving Neighborhoods

Posted on March 20, 2012 by unionsquaremain

The Lucy Show featuring Lucille Ball back in the late 1960s took on the issue of highways destroying neighborhoods. In the way that only Lucy can, she falls in love with the joys of small businesses and takes on the … Continue reading →

Somerville Local First Hosts Event for Union Square Businesses

Posted on February 20, 2012 by unionsquaremain

Union Square Farmers Market Vendor Applications Now Being Accepted

Posted on February 3, 2012 by unionsquaremain

After the success of last year’s extended season the Union Square Farmers Market in 2012 will remain open until November 17. That’s 25 glorious weeks of fresh Massachusetts food and liveliness on the square this coming year. There’s a lot … Continue reading →

The Evolution of Union Square

Posted on January 30, 2012 by unionsquaremain

Inspired by the map that appeared in Boston Magazine breaking down the generations of businesses in Davis Square, we got to thinking about the evolution of Union Square. Tough remembering exactly when various businesses came into the neighborhood. How’d we … Continue reading →

Riverdog Welcomes Your Dog

Posted on January 17, 2012 by unionsquaremain

Riverdog, a center for most everything for your dog including grooming, classes, and toys, just launched a newsletter. That’s where we learned that they’ve relaunched their open play events on Saturdays. Nunziato Field on Summer Street has a leash-free area … Continue reading →

Buy Local

Other organizations helping you to go local

Why Shop Locally-owned businesses?

Buy Local — Support yourself
Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms — continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.(Click here to see summaries of a variety of economic impact studies; these include case studies showing that locally-owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact to the community and our tax base.)

Support community groups
Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

Keep our community unique
Where we shop, where we eat and have fun — all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust

Reduce environmental impact
Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

Create more good jobs
Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.

Get better service
Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.

Invest in community
Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

Put your taxes to good use
Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy
A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

Encourage local prosperity
A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.