Don't forget to shop St. Charles for back-to-school needs

As you begin purchasing all of the items needed as students head back to school, please remember to shop at stores in St. Charles. It makes economic sense for consumers to shop at St. Charles establishments. The tax revenue that is applied to these purchases will come back to your community to help fund City programs and services. 

The 3/50 Project, an organization that supports independent businesses, says of every $100 you spend locally, $68 stays within the local community. If you spend that same $100 at a national chain, $43 stays in the community.

In addition, don't forget about the "Shop St. Charles Challenge" - a new program to encourage residents to shop at local, independent businesses. The “Shop St. Charles Challenge” provides an incentive for residents to spend their shopping dollars within the community and be eligible for a $100 rebate on purchases.  The promotion began in May and will continue through April 2014.

To be eligible, St. Charles residents must submit an entry form that can be downloaded from the “Shop St. Charles Challenge” webpage. St. Charles residency is required and certain restrictions apply.

Each month, one person will be selected. That person will have 30 days to patronize three different St. Charles businesses. Each business must be from each of the City's main commercial areas (downtown, east side, and west side). In order to qualify, the person must complete a written review, or submit to an interview regarding his/her experiences at each business.

For more information, including entry form and rules, please visit the “Shop St. Charles Challenge” webpage, or contact the Economic Development Department at econdev@stcharlesil.gov or 630-443-4093.

Remember, it pays to shop local!