Wearing Plaid for a Cause

You could say that wearing plaid is reserved for Scots … or New England hunters.

But here in the Monadnock Region we’re asking everyone to don their plaid shirts, skirts, coats and even socks and hats.

It’s just for one day, we promise. And it’s for a good cause.

Plaid Friday, which this year falls on November 23, 2013, is a nationwide effort to promote local, independent businesses in one of the most busiest shopping days of the year, “Black Friday,” where shoppers usually crowd into big box stores to get holiday deals. On this day, citizens are instead encouraged to wear plaid clothing – and shop locally -- to show support for locally owned and operated businesses.

Plaid Friday is part of a larger effort of a national “Shift Your Shopping” campaign to buy more local products and services. Locally, Monadnock Buy Local is championing the Plaid Friday effort.

“The New England economy could use a boost,” says Jen Risley, Monadnock Buy Local’s program manager. “That’s why we’re asking everyone to shift their holiday shopping to locally owned and independent businesses, local artists and craftspeople.  Doing so will stimulate the local economy and help support job growth in our community.”

To join the fun, make sure you visit one of the Monadnock Region’s Plaid Friday Hubs on November 23 … owners will take a picture of you decked out in your finest plaid, and answer questions you may have about how you can support the “buy local” movement.

Buy Local Hubs:

Howard’s Leather in Spofford
Inn at Valley Farms in Walpole
Life is Sweet Candy Store in Keene
MindFull Books & Ephemera in Jaffrey
One Stop Country Pet Supply in Keene
Pocketful of Rye in Keene
Prime Roast Coffee Roasters in Keene
Toadstool Bookshop in Keene
Walpole Valley Farms in Walpole