LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – It’s a chance for shoppers to bag some great finds while keeping their coins close to home.

Supporting small businesses is a big deal. It’s one way to shop and keep money in the neighborhood.

Elyse Gray, retail general manager at Marshall Music in Lansing said, “Shopping local is a priority for anybody in the community.”

On Friday, the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) kicked off their 11th Buy Nearby Weekend. It’s a three-day, statewide shopping spree where customers spend their dollars locally, giving a boost to small businesses across Michigan.

Gray said, “We use it as an opportunity to explain to the customers that are in anyways and might not be aware of what’s going on.” She said shifting your spending habits to support local business, like Marshall Music, helps keep their doors open.

“The small businesses in Michigan really are the backbone of our economy,” according to Michigan Retailers Association VP, Vic Veda. “They’re the ones that support our local youth sports and community events and really keep our main streets alive.”

Veda said they’re encouraging shoppers to make one of every 10 purchases at a Michigan-based business. “That would increase jobs in Michigan by over 15,000 jobs, significant increase in our economic output, and just great for our local economy.”

While you’re out shopping, you might find stickers that will let you know that the local business you’re visiting, is a proud supporter of the Buy Now Weekend.

It’s a chance to make cents count, one small business at a time.

You have until this Sunday, October 6th to Buy Nearby Weekend.

Participating area-businesses:

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