The Concord Independent Business Alliance ("Concord Indies") is urging the citizens of Concord to "unchain" themselves through the Holiday Shopping season with the kick-off on Saturday Nov. 20.

Support your favorite Concord Indie business first before turning to the web or going to the mall. Almost all of your gift giving needs and decorating items can be found right here in Concord. Shop Concord Indies First! is a part of America Unchained!, a national campaign of the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA).

"The Concord Indies aims to reach every citizen to support our predominantly Indie-based local economy, and to demonstrate that their personal spending decisions affect the whole community, both now and for the future," said Marie Foley, Indies president and manager of Concord Hand Designs on Main Street in Concord Center. 

"We think one of the best ways to preserve our local economy and the unique character of our villages is to frequent them, and frequent them in force," says Debbie Bier, Indies vice president and director of Caring Companion Connections, a Concord-based home care agency. "Studies show that for every $100 spent at a chain, $13 circulates back through the community. For every $100 spent at a local Indie business, $45 circulates back through the community. Our wonderful Indie businesses will remain only as long as we all help keep them viable.  Otherwise, we'll see Concord become 'chained' like other nearby towns, where fewer and fewer local businesses now operate."

"Independent businesses pay local employees, use the goods and services of other local independent businesses and give back to community institutions far more than chains." said AIBA Director Jennifer Rockne. 
 
"We also want to encourage folks while they're taking part in Shop Concord Indies First! to make a point of thanking local business owners for their contributions to the community, both in goods and services, but also to local charities and organizations," said Foley.  "Local businesses give a greater percentage of their business income back to the community than their chain-store competitors. We rely on our local businesses for so much more than just providing products and services."

"Concord stands to gain in every way by supporting our local Indie economy.  They provide us with essential goods and services, jobs, and continued opportunities for citizens to own their own business here.  They are critical parts of Concord's social, cultural and economic health," stated Bier.

For more information about the Concord Indies, Shop Concord Indies First! and the nationwide America Unchained! day, go to ConcordIndies.org and AMIBA.net.