So, whom are we talking about when you say “Buy Glendale?”
Is the money going to promote Glendale businesses of all stripes — such as the big-box stores and corporate chains that happen to be in Glendale?
Those kinds of businesses usually have plenty of money for slick advertising campaigns, along with the promotional wattage of venues such as the Americana at Brand and Glendale Galleria.
Is the city’s campaign targeting these types of stores? Do they need to have money spent on them?
If the advertising money is going to be spent on promoting the various distinct shopping destinations around town — Montrose, Kenneth Village, Adams Square, to name a few — these types of small, independent businesses within those destinations usually do not have access to large corporate advertising juggernauts, so it would seem that the city’s money should be focused on those.
Does the city understand that shopping “local” — i.e. independently owned business — returns more money into the local economy than shopping at big chains or corporate retail giants?
Shopping local means shopping in stores where the owner is probably someone from your neighborhood, your school or religious organization. The owner spends money on accountants, bookkeepers, designers, insurance agents, printers, bankers, plumbers who live/work in the local area, hires local employees (and high school/college kids), donates and/or advertises in umpteen local high school sports club programs, music clubs, scouts programs, yearbooks, AYSO/Little League sponsors, etc.
