Intern proposes "shop local" campaigns and modest regulatory changes to boost Acton businesses

William (Will) Farrow, an intern and rising junior at Sacred Heart University, presented proposals aimed at increasing local spending and supporting small businesses in Acton.

Farrow focused on two illustrative sectors — automotive dealerships and grocery stores — and cited local examples (Acton Ford, Donnellan’s) to illustrate that a significant share of spending by residents currently occurs outside town. He described a “Shop to Score” concept in which businesses set a local-sales goal and, upon meeting it, donate equipment to schools or teams; the campaign would pair sponsorships, special shopping nights and giveaways to encourage resident participation.

Farrow suggested low-cost municipal adjustments that could help local retailers: temporary easing of signage and banner rules for promotional periods and exploring limited adjustments to the town’s plastic-bag ban to reduce margin pressure on grocery stores. He proposed student tours of local businesses to increase awareness of career opportunities and to strengthen ties between businesses and future workers.

Farrow estimated that if 150 households shifted $200 per month back to local shops, the town could see roughly $360,000 in annual local revenue and an estimated $18,000–$25,000 in additional annual tax revenue for the town. He said these figures were illustrative and based on simple multiplier calculations.

Members and residents in the audience discussed recent retail shifts (relocations, new Market Basket outside town, local restaurant openings/closings) and suggested the town’s forthcoming Restaurant Week could be a practical venue to pilot shop-local messaging.

Farrow recommended a pilot campaign that partners local businesses, schools and the finance committee to test whether modest promotional efforts and small regulatory adjustments can shift consumer behavior without major town expenditures.