SHOP HERE FIRST: Free Holiday Parking Saturdays

Arlington MA

05 December, 2020

5:11 PM

Description

Your Arlington Last Updated: 05 December 2020 Written by Task force, Chamber of Commerce UPDATED, Dec. 5: The Town of Arlington's Economic Development Recovery Task Force and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to encourage residents to support local businesses by shopping Arlington first whenever possible. On Saturdays, during the holiday shopping season, the town is allowing free parking at all metered spots in the two municipal parking lots in Arlington Center (Russell Commons lot on Mystic Street and the Rail Road lot on Lamson Way) and at all metered spots on the street. This free offer is available only in the municipal lots on the following Saturdays: Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 and 19. All street meters are in effect as usual. The Shop Arlington First campaign is intended to promote shopping locally to infuse as much life as possible into the local economy in the light of Covid-19. According to the National Main Street Center, millions of small businesses across the United States are at great risk of closing permanently. Of the nation's approximately 30 million small businesses, nearly 7.5 million of them may be at risk of shutting their doors forever over the coming five months, and 3.5 million are at risk of closure in the next two months. Campaign underway To minimize the number of business closures in Arlington, the task force and chamber want this marketing campaign to serve as a constant reminder that local businesses of all kinds cannot survive without their local customers. The campaign includes a direct-mail piece to be sent to every address in Arlington, banners on Mass. Ave., signs throughout town, digital marketing, opt-in text notifications of promotions from local businesses and a new ShopArlingtonFirst.com website. "Now, more than ever, we urge you to make a conscious effort to shop Arlington first before opting for big-name online retailers and national chains," Beth Locke, executive director of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, said in a Sept. 29 news release. Arlington businesses are diligently following public-health and -safety guidelines. Offering in-store and online shopping, curbside pickup, delivery, takeout and online appointments, as well as offering outdoor and streaming programs and events, most of Arlington's businesses are open and accommodating customers' needs. "Your support is critical to the survival of Arlington's independent businesses and nonprofits," Ali Carter, town economic-development coordinator, said in the release. "Please shop and do business locally as much as you can. You can be an influencer by urging your friends and family to do the same," The campaign will continue throughout the fall and holiday shopping seasons, crucial periods for business support any year, but even more important as options for outdoor activities become less attractive as New England weather cools and days become shorter. Campaign sponsors include Leader Bank, the Arlington Tourism and Economic Development Committee (ATED), Perception Optical, Mirak Automotive, Classic Kitchen & Bath, Carol Greeley, Realtor, Beacon Group Real Estate, and Brickstone Cafe. To learn more about Shop Arlington First, visit www.shoparlingtonfirst.com or contact Locke at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Carter at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. YourArlington.com has provided news and opinion about Arlington, Mass., since 2006. Publisher Bob Sprague is a former editor at The Boston Globe, Boston Herald and Arlington Advocate. Read more at https://www.yourarlington.com/about.