PELHAM – Pelham residents are encouraged to spend their money locally for the duration of the Pelham Business Alliance’s first Shop Local initiative from March 11-16.

Business alliance representative Debbie Parrot said the idea for Pelham residents to spend their money in Pelham at locally owned “mom and pop” businesses. Parrott said she hopes residents continue to shop locally as much as possible even after Shop Local week ends.

“Mom and pop businesses are the backbone of our country,” she said. “They bring more money into the city than nationally owned chains.”

For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, Parrott said $68 stays within the city.

“It brings and keeps more money in the city, so we really need to support our small businesses,” she added. “When we have a thriving local economy, that’s how we further enhance our schools and property values.”

It’s free for businesses to participate in Shop Local. So far, about 20 businesses have signed on to be a part of the movement. The Pelham Business Alliance gives each participating business a sign to hang in their front window that says they’re a participant. It is at the discretion of the business to offer discounts or special offers during Shop Local week.

Parrott said the city of Pelham has been fully supportive of the effort and the library, rec center, racquet club and Ballantrae Golf are all participating in the initiative.

The business alliance decided to host its own Shop Local initiative because the national Shop Local day is always held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which is the same day the Iron Bowl takes place.

“Nobody is out shopping on the day of the Iron Bowl,” Parrott quipped. “That’s why we decided to pick another date. We chose March 11-16 because it’s right before spring break and a lot of people are thinking about gardening, buying items they need for vacations or making home improvements.”

Parrott said the participating businesses have been asked to track their sales during Shop Local week to see if their efforts yielded results.