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2015 BUY LOCAL PROGRAM RESEARCH AND SURVEY REPORT
Prepared for
Sheryl Kelsh, President/CEO
Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce
Prepared by
Michael Wegener, Senior Marketing Student
George Fox University
December 10, 2015
2
December 10, 2015
Sheryl Kelsh
Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce
115 N College Street, Suite 2
Newberg, OR 97132
Dear Ms. Kelsh,
This is the final report for the Buy Local research internship started in October 2015. With this
letter, I am hereby transmitting the report, entitled “2015 BUY LOCAL PROGRAM
RESEARCH AND SURVEY REPORT” to you for your use in implementing a new Buy Local
program for the Chehalem Valley.
The methods and findings of the Business and Consumer Buy Local surveys are described and
secondary research on other Buy Local programs are discussed in this report. I believe this report
includes some good insight on what local businesses and consumers would like to see as part of a
new Buy Local program, and what current buying habits are for consumers.
I have enjoyed working on this project with you and the Chamber. I have gained valuable
experience in a very useful field and have enjoyed learning from new challenges. I will include a
link to a PowerPoint summary of the findings. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions
or would like to discuss the findings further.
Sincerely,
Michael Wegener
3
Table of Contents
Section Title........................................................................................................................ .......Page
Executive Summary.........................................................................................................................4
Introduction......................................................................................................................................5
Definition of the Population ................................................................................................5
Business.................................................................................................................. .5
Consumer.................................................................................................................5
Sample Sizes....................................................................................................................... .5
Development of the Questionnaire......................................................................................5
Data Collection Method......................................................................................................6
Findings.......................................................................................................................................... .6
Business Survey.............................................................................................................. .....6
Response Rate..........................................................................................................6
Results......................................................................................................................6
Consumer Survey...............................................................................................................13
Response Rate........................................................................................................13
Profile of the Sample.............................................................................................13
Results....................................................................................................................13
Secondary Research...........................................................................................................20
Limitations.........................................................................................................................21
Conclusions........................................................................................................................21
Appendix........................................................................................................................................23
4
Executive Summary
This research was conducted in order to better inform the implementation of a new,
comprehensive Buy Local Program for the Chehalem Valley. The purpose of this research was to
gain feedback from local business owners on what they would like to see from a Buy Local
program as well as how they would be willing to participate in the program. In addition,
information on local consumers’ attitudes towards buying locally and what would influence them
to buy local more often was collected. Two separate surveys were designed and presented to
local business owners and residents. Each survey was designed to fulfill the respective objectives
outlined above. Secondary research was conducted, looking at other towns’ Buy Local Programs
and their implementation.
79 businesses responded to the Business Survey, and 156 residents responded to the
Consumer Survey. The surveys were conducted online using SurveyMonkey.com. The Business
survey was ten questions in length, and the Consumer Survey was eight questions in length. The
Business Survey was sent via email to Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC)
member businesses. The Consumer Survey was posted on the CVCC Facebook page and the
Newberg-Dundee Citizens Group Facebook page. A description of and a link to the survey was
also circulated in the Daily Bruin, the daily email newsletter sent out to George Fox University
students and staff.
The findings of the survey revealed that many business owners rely on local consumers’
business and are willing to support a Buy Local Program, and that local consumers would be
more willing to buy locally if they were offered more options or selection. Findings for the
Business Survey are as follows:
The majority of local business revenue comes from local residents
Many business owners believe educating residents will encourage them to buy locally
The majority of business owners support a hybrid program
91 percent of business owners think the Buy Local Program should be year-round
Many business owners would be willing to participate in community events and buy from
other businesses
90 percent believe the Buy Local Program should focus on local residents
Significant findings for the Consumer Survey are as follows:
The majority of residents shop at a local business weekly
67 percent of residents go to local restaurants, coffee shops, or wine businesses most
often
Many respondents indicated that ten percent of their monthly spending was spent locally
45 percent of respondents said local businesses do not offer enough selection
In the final open response question, many respondents said having more selection and
options would encourage them to buy locally more often
5
Introduction
In anticipation of implementing a new Buy Local campaign in 2016, the Chehalem
Valley Chamber of Commerce wanted to collect information from local business owners and
local residents in order to inform how the new campaign should be designed. A previous
business-to-business program had been implemented, but the campaign did not expand beyond
the Chamber membership. The Chamber received feedback from its members that a more
comprehensive Buy Local Program that included both businesses and consumers was desired,
and the business-to-business program was terminated in anticipation of the new campaign
beginning in 2016. A senior marketing major student from George Fox University was retained
as an intern to partnership with the Chamber in conducting the research. Research began October
2015.
The objectives of the research were as follows:
1. Research other “Buy Local” programs that are successful in other communities.
2. Interview a sample of small business owners in Newberg/Dundee to gain their feedback
on the importance of a “Buy Local” campaign for their business. How are they willing to
participate (signage, special offers, etc.)?
3. Interview a sample of local residents to find out what their current habits are in relation to
buying local. What would influence their attitude to buy locally first if not already doing
so?
4. Identify any examples of programs successfully using technology to drive the success of
their program (i.e. apps)?
5. Provide recommendations as to what kind of “Buy Local” program could be successfully
implemented in the community along with suggested steps for implementation.
The population for the Business Survey was Chamber member businesses in the Newberg,
Dundee, and St. Paul areas. The population for the Consumer Survey included residents of the
Newberg, Dundee, and St. Paul areas that were over the age of 18. The population in mind was
those who would be affected by, and targeted by, the new Buy Local Program, both businesses
and residents.
The final number of surveys collected for the Business Survey was 79 responses.
Responses collected for the Consumer Survey totaled 156 responses. Incomplete responses, non-
resident responses, non-business owner responses to the Business Survey, and responses from
those under 18 were omitted from the results.
The questionnaires were developed in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and
were focused on fulfilling the prior objectives. Questions in the Business Survey focused on
collecting local business opinions and insight as well as general information on local businesses.
Questions in the Consumer Survey focused on the buying habits and influences of local
consumers, and their attitudes towards local businesses. Two drafts of each survey were written.
Their final forms were approved and implemented on December 2, 2015.
Method
6
Both the Business Survey and the Consumer Survey were designed and implemented
using the SurveyMonkey.com survey tools. The surveys consisted of multiple choice, check all
that apply, agree/disagree, and open-ended response questions.
Links to the Business Survey were sent out Chamber member businesses via email,
directly from the Chamber of Commerce. Members of the Chamber were the primary target of
the survey.
The Consumer Survey was posted on the CVCC Facebook page and the Newberg-
Dundee Citizens Group Facebook page. Two Facebook users who saw the postings “shared” the
post to their friends on Facebook as well. The Consumer Survey was also posted multiple times
on the Daily Bruin, the daily email newsletter sent to George Fox University students and staff
members. The primary target of the Consumer Survey was local residents of the Newberg,
Dundee, and St. Paul areas over the age of 18.
Findings
This section will present the findings from each of the surveys as well as the secondary
research conducted on other programs. Each question from the Business Survey and the
Consumer Survey will be discussed at length, and some cross-tabulations on each survey will be
presented. Graphical representations for responses to each question will be included with the
explanation of each question. This section will begin with findings from the Business Survey,
then the Consumer Survey, and the secondary research. Limitations of the research will be
discussed. Finally, this section will end with conclusions and recommendations from the
research.
Business Survey Findings
Response Rate
There were 97 total responses to the Business Survey. Seventy-nine responses were
included in the results, and eighteen were omitted. Those responses were omitted due to not
being finished or the respondent not owning a business in the Chehalem Valley. There are over
400 Chamber member businesses. The profile of the sample is determined in Question 2, where
business types are discussed.
Results
Question 1: Are you 18 years of age or older?
All respondents included in the sample responded “Yes” to this question.
7
Question 2: What type of business do you own?
Figure A.1
Thirty of the respondents indicated that they were the owner of a service business.
Service business owners made up 44 percent of the sample. Many respondents chose to specify
the type of service business they owned by selecting “Other” and writing in their answer, such a
Health/Medical. Restaurant, coffee shop, and wine business owners made up the second largest
consolidated group, at 17 percent of the sample.
This question received a high number of “Other” responses. Many of the other responses
were duplicate or similar business types, and new categories were added to Figure A.1 in order to
properly reflect the types of businesses included in the study. Originally, the question only
included the options of Restaurant/Coffee Shop/Wine, Service Business, Grocery Store,
Hardware Store, Clothing Store/Boutique/Gift Shop, or the option of Other. Respondents
included in the updated “Other” category as shown in Figure A.1 include a theater, a farm, a
supply company, two other food businesses, and a retirement community.
8
Question 3: How much of your revenue comes from permanent residents, not tourists?
(Estimated).
Figure A.2
The majority of respondents indicated that all of their revenue is generated by permanent
residents. The second largest category indicated 75 percent of their revenue comes from
permanent residents. From the results of this question, it can be argued that local businesses are
highly dependent on revenue from local residents, and do not benefit much from tourism. This
conclusion is pertinent when developing the target market of the Buy Local Program.
9
Question 4: Which method do you think is best for encouraging residents to buy from local
businesses first?
Figure A.3
Thirty-five percent of the respondents think that educating customers on the economic
benefits of buying locally will encourage consumers to purchase from local businesses first. In
the second largest group, 23 percent thought improving business quality would increase local
business transactions. Six of the eight respondents who answered “Other” said that increased
marketing, promotions, and awareness of local businesses would encourage residents to buy
locally. The results of this question may indicate that marketing and educational elements should
be incorporated into the new Buy Local program. In addition, initiatives and resources to
improve and market local businesses could be included in the program.
Question 5: Of the following, which program do you think would work best?
Figure A.4
10
The majority of respondents support a hybrid program that motivates both businesses and
residents to buy locally. Local business owners think that it is important for both businesses and
residents to buy locally. Respondents in the “Other” category said increasing awareness or
marketing would work well, among other responses. This result reinforces the Chamber’s desire
to implement a comprehensive Buy Local program, and business owners’ support seems to be
there as well.
Question 6: Should the Buy Local program be a seasonal campaign or a year-round effort?
Figure A.5
Support was overwhelming for a year-round campaign. 91 percent of respondents
indicated they would like the Buy Local program to be a year-round effort.
11
Question 7: How would your business be willing to contribute to a Buy Local program? Check
all that apply.
Figure A.6
Many businesses indicated they would be willing to participate in community events and
buy from other local businesses as part of a Buy Local program. In the “Other” category, three
respondents said they would help educate the public and other businesses, and five stated that
this question did not apply to their business. The Buy Local program should incorporate
elements and initiatives that local businesses have indicated they are willing to participate in.
Question 8: Should a Buy Local program focus on local residents, tourists, or business-to-
business transactions?
Figure A.7
12
Ninety percent of respondents said the Buy Local program should focus on local
residents. Again, this reinforces the concept that local consumers are the main drivers of local
businesses and should be the primary focus of the program.
Question 9: What would you like to see out of a Buy Local program in Newberg? Feel free to
give us any suggestions, your input is valuable to creating an effective Buy Local program.
The raw responses to this question are listed in the appendix. Responses such as “Not
applicable,” “I don’t know,” “Nothing,” and nonresponses have been omitted. The responses
have been edited for spelling, capitalization, and most grammatical errors, but remain unrevised
for content. The entire list was included in this report so that the variety and specifics of each
response could be listened to and evaluated.
When generalized, many of the suggestions can be categorized into different groups. The top
categories of responses were:
Increased marketing (can include promotions, awareness of local businesses, and
advertising)
Events (business networking, community events, events like First Friday and Halloween)
Discounts/Lower Prices (includes price matching, becoming more competitive, a passport
program, and coupons)
Figure A.8 shows the responses graphically, when categorized into the aforementioned
categories:
Figure A.8
Of the categorizable responses, marketing was the most common, with ten responses
total. Five responded with events of various types, and three indicated lower prices or discounts.
The remaining “Other” category consisted of a variety of different suggestions. Many of the
responses were generic or not applicable to a Buy Local program.
13
Relevant Cross-Tabulation
One cross-tabulation may offer more insight into what businesses would like out of a Buy
Local program. Responses for Question 4, Which method do you think is best for encouraging
residents to buy from local businesses first?, and Question 5, Of the following, which program do
you think would work best, were cross-tabulated. The responses to Question 4 were compared to
responses from Question 5. Of those who chose “educate customers,” what percentage also
selected “a hybrid program?” The results are shown in Figure B.1.
Figure B.1
The percentages shown in Figure B.1 show that 46 percent of those who think that
educating customers in the most effective way to encourage residents to buy locally also think
that a hybrid program would work best. The hybrid program received the most overall support in
the survey. Therefore, it may be beneficial to include educational elements in a hybrid Buy Local
program and business owners would most likely support the educational elements.
Consumer Survey Findings
Response Rate
The Consumer Survey had 177 responses in total. Of those responses, 156 were used in
the study. Nineteen responses were omitted because of ineligibility or incompletion of the
survey.
Profile of Sample
All of those included in the data indicated they were a resident of the Newberg, Dundee, or St.
Paul area and over the age of 18. The combined population of the three cities is 25,651.
Results
Question 1: Are you a resident in the Newberg, Dundee, or St. Paul areas?
All respondents included in the data indicated “Yes.”
Question 2: Are you 18 years of age or older?
All respondents included in the data responded “Yes.”
Which method do you think is best for encouraging residents to buy from local businesses first?
Of the following, which program do you think would work best? Educating customers Community events Improving business quality Offering discounts
A business to business program
A hybrid program 46% 57% 53% 75%
A resource program 15% 29% 16% 0%
An educational program 38% 7% 26% 0%
Other (please specify) 0% 7% 5% 25%
Grand Total 100% 100% 100% 100%
14
Question 3: How often do you shop at local businesses? (i.e. non-chain, locally owned
businesses).
Figure C.1
The majority of respondents indicated that they shop at local businesses at weekly.
Question 4: If you shop locally, which businesses do you shop at or buy from most often?
Figure C.2
Over 60 percent of those who said they shop locally said they buy from restaurants,
coffee shops, and wine businesses most often.
15
Question 5: What is most important to you when deciding where to spend your money?
Figure C.3
Over 40 percent said that quality products were the most important to them when
deciding where to spend their money. Competitive price was the second largest response, with 28
percent indicating price. In the “Other” category, two respondents said convenience and location
was the top factor, and three said buying from local businesses was most important. In addition,
five respondents in the “Other” category said a combination of all of the above was important.
The question should have put more emphasis on choosing the “most” important factor.
Question 6: How much of your monthly spending is spent locally? (Estimated).
Figure C.4
16
A large number of respondents indicated that they spend about 10 percent of their money
locally. From these results, 64 percent of the sample spends between 10 and 25 percent of their
monthly budget locally.
Question 7 included three statements that respondents were instructed to reply to with
either “Agree” or “Disagree.” The results for each statement are as follows.
Question 7a: Buying locally is too expensive.
Figure C.5
Seventy-two percent of respondents disagreed with the statement that buying locally is
too expensive. This may indicate that they think buying locally is financially possible. Twenty-
eight percent of the respondents think that buying locally is too expensive.
17
Question 7b: Local businesses offer quality service and products.
Figure C.6
Eighty-eight percent of respondents agree that local businesses offer quality service and
products. It can be assumed that improving business quality will not necessarily drive more
customers to buy locally.
Question 7c: Local businesses don't offer enough selection.
Figure C.7
Forty-five percent of respondents think that local businesses do not offer enough
selection. Fifty-five percent disagreed. This question may reveal that more people do not shop
locally because there is not enough selection from local businesses, or that residents are not
aware of the selection available. With Questions 7a and 7b in mind, it can be said local
18
businesses need more selection to attract more customers, not lower prices, or higher quality or
service.
Question 8: What would encourage you to shift more of your spending to local businesses? Feel
free to tell us anything that would make buying locally more attractive to you.
This question received a variety of responses. 95 of the 156 respondents wrote something
in response to this question. In order to reveal significant patterns or trends, the responses were
generalized into eight categories, shown in Figure B.8, below. The complete list of responses is
included in the appendix to this report.
Figure C.8
The largest category identified was those who responded along the lines of wanting more
selection or options from local businesses. A few of the other categories, such as desiring a
natural grocer or more mid-range restaurants, could be grouped under the topic of desiring more
selection as well. Those under the “Marketing/Promotions” category said knowing more about
what local businesses are here and what they offer would encourage them to buy locally.
19
Relevant Cross-Tabulation
The following cross-tabulation compared how often respondents shopped at local
businesses with which business types they went to most often. The results are shown in Figure
D.1 (Question 3 and Question 4).
Figure D.1
It can be observed than many of those shopping weekly and monthly at local businesses are
going to restaurants, coffee shops, and wine businesses. When comparing types of businesses
shopped at with percentage of monthly spending (Question 4 and Question 6, shown in Figure
D.2), there is a result similar to Figure D.1. The table can be read as, “where do those who spend
X percent locally shop most often?” For example, 46 of the 64 respondents who spend 10
percent locally each month do so at restaurants, coffee shops, and wine businesses.
Figure D.2
It can be observed that restaurants, coffee shops, and wine businesses are shopped at often, but
contribute little of the local population’s monthly spending. There is an opportunity to shift more
of the community’s spending to other local businesses, such as grocers, service businesses, and
gift shops.
Type of Business 10 percent 25 percent 50 percent Almost none More than 50 percent
Clothing Stores/Boutiques/Gift Stores 4 3 1
Grocery Stores 7 6 8 2 7
Hardware 2 2 1
Other (please specify) 5 1 1 1
Restaurants/Coffee Shops/Wine 46 24 11 13 6
Service Businesses 2
Grand Total 64 34 20 19 17
Percentage of monthly spending spent locally
20
Secondary Research
Many “Buy Local” initiatives implemented by Chambers of Commerce across the US fall
into one of the following five categories. Each category offers a framework for organizing and
implementing a program. However, there is room for customization in order to best fit each
community and objective. No two Buy Local programs are identical.
Business-to-Business Program
Emphasizes shifting business to business purchases to local businesses
“Look Local” first, because local businesses can be competitive
Encourages members to shift 5% of spending to local businesses
Understands not all business can be local
Incentive for taking pledge to shift 5% of spending to local: being featured and promoted
by Chamber
Focuses on positive economic impacts of shifting spending to local businesses
Ex.: Greater Des Moines
Collaborative Membership Program
Focuses on both residents’ and businesses’ participation
Membership based
o sometimes must buy a membership for a fee
o “buy-in” program for both businesses and consumers
Exchange membership/pledge/fee for benefits
o Businesses given resources and marketing, participation in events, promotions,
and programs
o Individuals get discounts and coupons at local businesses
Encourages businesses and residents to shift a portion of their spending to local
businesses
Ex.: Fayette County, Blairsville Union County, Portland ME
Promotional Education Program
Focuses on educating the public on the benefits of buying local
Partner with local media outlets such as TV and radio stations and newspapers
Educate the community on reasons to buy local through advertising and promotions
Educates and offers training for small businesses – Small Business Development Center
Educates businesses on reasons to buy local, how to better do business
Ex.: Douglas County (Georgia) Program
Member Resource Program
Chamber acts as a resource to local businesses
Offers training, expos, conferences, and individual feedback
Chamber organizes community events, networking opportunities
Chamber markets local businesses and offers marketing resources and training
Chamber takes political action for members and backs political candidates and initiatives
that benefit local business members
Referral program for business to business transactions as well as business to consumer
transactions
21
Offers recognition and awards to outstanding members
Ex.: Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Passport Program
Similar to membership program, but without fees
“Passports” given to consumers
Passports are stamped at local businesses
Businesses offer discounts to passport holders
Customers are entered into drawings for having a certain amount of stamps
Apps and Technology
There are currently a handful of iPhone and Android applications built specifically for
Buy Local programs. They offer directories, coupons, maps, and prices for local businesses.
However, each app is usually specifically developed for a single city or community. Some of the
apps listed in the Apple Store are Woodbridge – Buy Local; Buy Local Chesapeake; Buy Local
Reno, Sparks, and Green Business Chamber; Buy Local PA; Keep It Querque – Buy Local; and
Buy Local Winter Park. None of the apps that are not tailored for specific communities are
popular, well-rated, or easy to use. The app Buy Local! has ratings saying it is nearly unusable.
Existing and popular apps and technologies such as Yelp and Facebook business pages may be
the most economical and effective tools to use if the Chamber does not wish to develop its own
app. Yelp and Facebook pages can list reviews, prices, hours, locations, and products and
services offered. Yelp has roughly 89 million monthly mobile users and 79 million monthly
desktop users (Yelp.com).
Conclusion and Recommendations
Limitations
There are a few limitations to this research. The reader should note that the results of this
survey come from a convenience sample taken in the Newberg, Dundee, and St. Paul areas, and
that survey was conducted solely online and through social media and email. Budget, time, and
resource constraints limited the sample that could be collected, and limited the ability to
assemble focus groups and pretest the questionnaire which would have been preferable. Further
research could be done into the opinions and attitudes of local residents and businesses. Care
should be taken when generalizing this research to the population.
Conclusions
According to the results of the survey, the new Buy Local program should be a hybrid
program that focuses on educating customers about the selection and options available to them at
local businesses. The majority of business owners expressed support for a hybrid program, and
believe that educating customers and increasing marketing to customers are the most effective
ways of encouraging more local support of businesses. Consumers in the area support local
businesses, but many have expressed their desire for more selection and options from local
businesses. Educating them on the options that are available to them may encourage them to
22
shop locally more often and for a wider variety of products. Therefore, the Buy Local program
should include the following elements:
A dedicated, consistent marketing campaign directed at consumers
Informative and educational advertisements that tell consumers what is available
locally
Resources for local businesses to implement their own marketing
Community and Networking events, like First Friday and CVCC Greeters
The overall finding of the Consumer Survey is that consumers feel like there is not
enough selection in town, or they are unaware of the selection available. For example, one
respondent expressed their desire for a local fruit and produce option in town, presumably
unaware of the existence of Ray’s Produce. Many other respondents responded similarly, stating
they wanted more options and selection and that they are sometimes unaware of what is offered
locally.
The Business Survey revealed that local business owners want local customers to know
more about them and be aware of what is available. Marketing and advertisements addressing
this issue may be a viable option to drive more customers to local businesses first. In addition,
the growing prevalence of social media, online advertising, and the need for an online presence
for businesses should be taken into account.
Implementation
The following is a general implementation plan for the new Buy Local program.
1. Collaborate with local businesses (and perhaps local marketing agencies or designers) to
develop a consistent brand, logo, and design for the Buy Local program
2. Develop advertisements (posters, social media, TV) that focus on the selection and
quality available locally
3. Encourage businesses to interact online, through sites such as Yelp, keeping information
up to date and informative to potential customers
4. Create channels for customer feedback and inform customers of them (social media)
5. Develop routines for regular and consistent marketing of local businesses
6. Continually implement advertisements and marketing of the Buy Local campaign
23
Appendix
Business Owners’ Raw Responses to Question 9
Constant reminders
Events that highlight various type of businesses monthly
More consistent traffic and support from residents.
Incentives and discounts to try products and services
I would love to see a program or something that encourages citizens to buy local and how
it helps the community.
I think the current buy local signs are great. I think during a few key times of the year the
program should have a larger push. I would personally like to see more local referral
business
In the Chamber newsletter, have a small spot on some of the smaller businesses, like
cottage business.
I have seen buy local passports in other communities that highlight and incentivize
people to shop local. This could be industry specific or general broad based in concept.
A get to know your local businesses meet and greet similar to the Wednesday market
We do need to improve our convenience, variety and diversity of businesses focusing on
getting people to Newberg to spend their money. Look at 3rd Street in Mac. Several
good restaurants, walkable, variety of other shops, etc.
Buy Local advertising placards and stickers.
Coordination with other efforts already in place. Like the Newberg Downtown
Merchants, Rotary, etc.
Everyone working together for the common good of our community
Campaigns which continue to focus on the "buy local" campaign
Fun events
Save time, save money by buying local, help to strengthen the local business community.
By supporting local development we become more viable and connected as a business
unit
Price matching out-of-market products.
Business growth
Ongoing citywide marketing to all residents and businesses. A one- time announcement
or a poster in a window is relatively worthless
Define local... If a business contributes to the community in a positive and impactful way
than I would consider it local, even if headquarters were not in Newberg or even Oregon.
If your program considers only companies whose headquarters are in Newberg than I
would consider it flawed and not participate at all.
It can sometimes seem forced, provincial, or contrived. I mean we might roast coffee in
Newberg, but we can't grow it here. Also, I sell most of my product out of state - if my
other markets went all local I'd lose. I celebrate open markets! I love bananas! But I'll
gladly work with local suppliers if they are competitive. It is a fine line and I worry that it
can seem unenlightened when pushed too hard.
Buy local advertising program sponsored by the chamber
More events like at Halloween. I saw companies while out walking I'd never noticed
before
Templates for programs already exist, do not reinvent wheel
24
Yes, it is always nice to keep funds in the community.
Community events hit a variety of objectives and targets - locals, tourists, businesses and
offer a good time as well.
What is available and their story
That Newberg is a VERY friendly place to live and shop.
Discounts, incentives, maybe a local coupon book or "passport that can get stamps at
local businesses and then be redeemed for something.
I think it all boils down to business familiarity. Knowing what local businesses offer is
key to getting folks in the door. Sometimes even locals aren't acquainted with local
businesses
Consumers’ Raw Responses to Question 8
Prices aren't competitive enough. It shouldn't cost more to buy something that's grown
down the street.
variety of shops
I really wish that Newberg could have a New Seasons or Natural Grocers because I
would shop there all the time rather than having to drive outside of my town to buy good
products.
A local produce/fruit option in town. Lower prices at coffee shops.
The pricing seems absurd to me. As a college student I can't afford to buy local as much
as I would like to.
More convenience
Having the selection and pricing of Fred Meyers
Providing excellent customer service with quality products. Having a open house day
with specials & downtown businesses to bring customers into your store
More advertisement so I know they are there!
Better access to local businesses with desirable products
Allow the free market to work. Lower taxes and decrease city funds spent.
Fine as is!
If they had more options when buying. I love getting coffee and food in town, but when it
comes to shopping I am more likely to head to a chain store because I know they will
carry exactly what I am looking for.
Having more main brand items in grocery stores.
More mid-price range, good quality but not fine dining restaurants.
More affordable for students
Better parking options
If downtown was more pedestrian friendly
Easy parking is biggest issue for me, prices are second. We utilize the hardware store
and Ixtapa frequently, and would like to visit the bakery more, but hard to get parking
anywhere near it. Also like Pulp and Circumstance and Ruddick/Wood, but can't afford
them very often.
More locally owned businesses
Wider selection of locally owned stores within Newberg (grocery stores, markets. etc.)
If local businesses were competitive in price.
Increased consumer awareness. (More marketing towards local consumers).
25
A local business advert sent monthly containing specials for many local businesses and
telling more about them.
cost
price
Availability of more opportunities, that is, more local business
I want a butcher and bread store in town
It is slightly expensive for a college student's budget
More accessible, Cheaper products
More of a variety of stores-crafts, clothes, good restaurants, etc.
More variety
In some instances, more affordable prices such as at a clothing/retail store.
a reasonable and frequent public transit system. There currently isn't one with enough
coverage or frequency to use to get around town.
I honestly don't shop very often. I buy books on amazon and that’s most of my spending.
If I were in a different stage of life I’d go local
More advertisements, open on Sundays for those who only have Sundays off work
More family friendly restaurants--local restaurants that are like Red Robin (indoor booth
seating with high chairs, inexpensive prices, kid's cuisine, and ambient noise) in Newberg
would be really nice
Maybe more selection... it's hard to compete with the diversity of products that
somewhere like Fred Meyer offers... that's where I end up doing most of my shopping,
but it's pretty much a matter of convenience.
I would shop for groceries if I knew more about the farmers market
Easier parking downtown
An awareness of what the local businesses have that is better than big businesses; for
example, I didn't know Pulp & Circumstance sold candy. I want to be aware of what local
businesses have so I don't have to go to big businesses to fulfill what I need.
Better selection of local businesses.(IE: More store selections in downtown area) Local
businesses with good reputation. Local businesses with good prices. Local businesses that
don't close at 5PM or 6PM.
Convenient parking
Cheaper prices
Cheaper prices but I understand their cost is higher and need to make a profit, I'm just a
broke college kid unfortunately
Lower price but it's worth it in the long run
Greater variety, lower prices. I like the convenience but prices and variety are a deal
breaker.
more variety of businesses. The ones we do have are fine but we could use a few different
businesses
Cheaper prices, more options.
More convenience, it is difficult to get to the downtown area because of the highway and
then there is no parking. The hassle deters me from buying locally
Cheaper
As a George fox student I do not have a car on campus. I would go out and shop more if I
knew that there was sales or special deals going on. If there was a way to find out I would
make the walk.
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The majority of my weekly spending is on food. I shop at a chain because the local store
cannot exceed it on any of the three criteria i.e. price, service, selection. - and one would
be all it would take for me.
Broader range of products
more selection-clothing, lingerie, mid-price restaurants, antiques, bookstores
I think knowing about what's around would help.
Local products sold whenever possible
expanded business hours and variation in options of businesses- like better restaurant
options.
I don't buy big ticket items locally (electronics, appliances, furniture) due to a bad return
policy experience - large chain stores offer better return/exchange
We need a local high end grocer. I want to know where my produce and meats are
coming from
More diverse businesses.
More services and goods available. Higher quality. Convenience. I will go to Starbucks
as soon as it opens because they have high quality, large selection and consistency in
their product and service is always excellent.
more options. wine is covered. cute clothing is covered. we need more variety and more
catering to locals instead of winos.
More available at one location, naps is too expensive and doesn't have a good selection or
quality of product
More cost efficient
more retail stores ie: clothes, shoes (only one boutique in town), food (ex: trader joes)
Improve selections!
Better advertising. Their voice is being drowned out by big business and online shopping.
Our local coffee/wine shops are great, but the food in the area is less desirable.
Organic, artisanal pizza/pub, Whole Foods,
More options
Natural foods store with bulk selections. Gluten-free and soy free foods
Prices being slightly lower
More organic options
More variety
Quality products, greater selection
More upscale establishments.
Quality products--restaurants and grocery.
More variety of the type of stores
Some better restaurants, clothing options other than Fred Meyer & as much as I like the
Francis family it would be nice to have more options than going to Sherwood.
Lower prices, more variety in types of local businesses
Already spend what i can. Occasional shop elsewhere, but try to keep local to at least
small
Walking distance to my home
I wouldn't expect them to lower their prices, but times are tight for us so we have no
choice but to shop around for lower prices.
Cash mobs, sales, extended shopping hours
More /easier access to downtown. Downtown Newberg needs to learn from Mac
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Better customer service and prices.
More affordable prices, nice family affordable restaurants
A more fun shopping experience, such as several shops in a row. And more great food!
Parking
Something fun to do
A real understanding if what is local, I own a local business and people class Starbucks
as local because it's from WA, I class local 's someone who lives in my neighborhood
I would like to see more diverse restaurants in town
Better choice, and price