Since I got heavily
involved within the Grand Rapids business community, I have become more aware
of the trend to buy local. Buying local means several things and is
accomplished in many ways.
A person can purchase
goods from a farmers market, family restaurant (not franchises), boutique, or local
artists allowing them to give back
to their local communities. I am a
huge supporter of buying local, and believe products are of great quality, businesses
offer better customer service, and the experience is much more rewarding than purchasing
from a big box store.
LocalFirst, is a
great organization that gives weekly updates on what is offered locally for a
range of products and services.
Matter of fact, 834 Baba is a proud member of this organization, and
many other companies are getting involved. So are chain stores and franchise restaurants catching on to
the “buy local” trend and adjusting their marketing strategy?
Buying local has
become popular among consumers, not just because of the unique products, but
because your money is given back into the local community, and not another
state, country, or huge corporation.
Now that fall has
arrived I am tuning into my favorite sitcoms. While I was watching one day I noticed an interesting ad from
McDonalds. The commercial was
focused on their fries, and how delicious they are and incomparable from their
competitors. It was interesting
how one of the oldest and most successful fast food restaurants was advertising
how they support local farmers, and they buy Michigan potatoes to produce their
fries. This got me
thinking…McDonald’s is not the only company that is trying to appease customers
by buying local.
Frito-Lay has also
given in to the idea of purchasing from local farmers for the production of the
potato chip. These companies may
have always bought locally, but now they are incorporating the message into
their marketing in an effort to entice consumers to buy their product over
competitors. Case in point, check
out the press release Frito-Lay featured in May this year.
Frito-Lay
Press Release – May 2009
What are your
thoughts in the push to buy local?
Do you think more franchises are going to tweak their marketing strategy
to conform?
Since Kim Bode
and John Kowalski partnered in 834 Baba Design & Marketing, the firm has seen
continual growth. We have new
additions to the team and exciting news of another 834 Baba location. These new additions include Ann
Swanson, our accountant and business manager, Nicole Huston, marketing
specialist and Erin Russ, public relations associate.
Another exciting
change for 834 Baba is the expansion of our offices to the East Coast. As some of you know, John Kowalski, partner
at 834 Baba, is moving to Portland, Maine this week, to be closer to family and
to introduce the east coast to some Sweet Giddyup.
John will be
working remotely with existing clients, as well as, gaining new contacts in the
Portland, Maine, Manchester, New Hampshire and Boston areas. John plans to visit monthly, and his
focus will remain strategy, marketing and branding. 834’s main focus is the West Michigan region, and the 834
Baba team will be dedicating time and effort in the surrounding areas.
The coming 2010
year will see additional growth for 834 Baba, along with a continued focus on
marketing, strategy, design, public relations, event planning, social media,
branding and more. We look forward to making an even larger impact, while
giving back to the communities we reside within.