Contribute 2009: Buy Local, Nashville!

Readers both new and old should know at least one thing about Nashvillest: We’re all about supporting our local businesses. Not that we don’t chow down on a chain-store burrito or two every now and again, but we’re firm believers in the fact that the unique, locally-owned businesses in town make Nashville, well, Nashville.

Our love for local businesses is so strong, we’re jumping on board with Contribute 2009, a nationwide initiative to encourage consumers to pledge to spend $50 at a local business in the coming days. Contribute 2009 officially began yesterday, October 12, but shoppers are encouraged to support their local businesses anytime this week (and any other time, of course!). If 99,999 others join us in our pledge to spend $50 at a small local business this week, $5 million will be spread around to our friends, neighbors and families. While $50 may sound like a lot, there are plenty of locally-owned small businesses that provide everyday essentials such as groceries, cleaning supplies, clothing and coffee (suddenly, $50 doesn’t seem like that much…).

We encourage you to join us in supporting our community this week. Hit up pie & pint night with a friend or five, stock up on groceries at The Turnip Truck instead of battling traffic in Green Hills, or kick off your Christmas shopping at one of the many locally-owned boutiques in 12 South, Edgehill Village or East Nashville.

Drop us a line in the comments if you plan on participating, and let’s hear your suggestions for small local businesses that could use our dollars.

If you’re looking to us for ideas, just take a trip down memory lane with us. We’ll make it easy for you: Ugly Mugs. Fresh Blends. The Silly Goose. Crema. Nuvo Burrito. The Green Wagon. The Local Taco. Prince’s. Nashville Farmer’s Market. Fleur de Lis Flavors. DrinkHaus. Zumi Sushi. The Belcourt. Tennessee Repertory Theatre. The Perch. Elena’s Cafe. [And more, but we're not ambitious enough to dig through THAT many archives.]