PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The city of Providence has launched its annual “buy local” and “buy art” campaigns to encourage residents to support local businesses during the holiday shopping season.
Mayor Angel Taveras (tuh-VEHR’-us) kicked off the campaign at a women’s apparel store in Wayland Square. He says local merchants and artists have everything shoppers could want for everyone on their gift list, with a benefit to the local economy.
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The mayor says 68 cents of every dollar spent locally stays in Providence, compared to 43 cents on purchases at big-box retailers. The city has sponsored a buy local campaign since 2005.
Providence is offering drivers two hours of free holiday parking in several commercial and retail districts starting on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.
