Similar to the popular Art ‘Round Town event which takes place the first Friday of every month, Local Love focuses on merchants and Portsmouth’s advantage in sales-tax-free New Hampshire.  

Mayor Deaglan McEachern said, “Now is the perfect time for the community to launch the Local Love initiative. Our local retailers have queued up their offerings for both foliage season visitors – this is our second strongest season for tourism – and for early holiday gift shopping. I encourage everyone to share some love with our local shopkeepers and to take advantage of everything our beautiful, historic, and walkable downtown has to offer.” 

President and Chief Collaborator Ben VanCamp of the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth said, “There’s no doubt about it, Portsmouth’s shopping scene is unparalleled. We want to help the downtown shops welcome new folks in their doors and add some fun for regular patrons too! After meeting with many area shop owners, we think Local Love is a great monthly event and cannot wait until Oct. 17 for the first one.”