Ahead of the holiday shopping season, the Town of Needham in partnership with the Charles River Regional Chamber are encouraging residents to support local retailers and restaurants by shopping and dining locally this holiday season.
 
In addition to promoting Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27, the Chamber’s Needham Business Alliance Committee and local merchants are launching a Needham Holiday Passport Program.
 
Shoppers are encouraged to pick up their passport at any of 36 participating local retailers and restaurants and collect stamps as they shop and dine around Needham from Nov. 20 to Dec. 24.
 
Collect stamps from three different participating establishments to qualify to be entered into a prize drawing (one grand prize and two runner-up prizes, all valued over $200). Add bonus stamps for more chances to win. Turn in your completed passport at one of the three drop off locations: Barre3 Needham, Volante Farms or the Needham General Store. (You’ll even get a special thank you gift when you drop off!)
 
"Small businesses help ensure that local economies stay strong and vibrant," said Needham Economic Development Manager Amy Haelsen. 

“Making a decision to patronize the independently owned shops and restaurants throughout Needham really does matter. By purchasing holiday gifts, dining, and seeking services from these small businesses, you 're not only supporting the hard-working people who contribute to our local schools and community organizations, but you're also supporting our own local economy.”  

This year’s Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27 is an important part of the holiday season for independent merchants as they work to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Haelsen noted that, according to the National Main Street Center, 60 cents of every dollar spent at an independently owned business is retained or recirculated in the same community. Just one-third of that, 20 cents of every dollar, remains in a community when it is spent at a chain store. "When money is spent at a local business, a larger percentage of it stays right here in our community," she said. "If you spend it here, you help keep it here." 

“We hope that Needham residents will make the extra effort to support the small, independently owned businesses in town on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season,” said Eileen Baker, co-owner of Proud Mary in Needham Center.
 
“When you make purchases at local businesses, it really does make a difference. Strong year-end sales help carry us through what is always a traditionally slower period during the first quarter,” said Baker. “Now more than ever, holiday sales are critical to many businesses being able to keep their doors open.”
 
Learn more about the Needham Holiday Passport Program here.