Buy local

The New York City-based Italian megastore has developed strong relationships with local small businesses.

The huge majority of retailers own just one store but consumers have few options for local gift cards. There is a big unmet demand.

With the nation's biggest retailers stocking their shelves with specialty items, the threat to mom and pop merchants is disconcerting. And while size matters, there are ways local retailers can take advantage of their less imposing presence.

If you want consumers to shop local, encourage them by shopping locally for your own business.

Buy-local advocates are creating 'cash mobs,' which ask people to patronize local stores at a particular time. Here's how you can get a cash mob to shop your store.

Looking to bring together your community to support local businesses? Consider these guidelines for getting started.