By Steve Huffman
shuffman@salisburypost.com
Here’s the deal. Remember that $20 bill you’ve had tucked away, saving it for a rainy day?
OK, get it out and spend it somewhere Monday. On anything. For anybody.
The only catch is, spend it at a local merchant’s shop. By golly, we’re going to get this economy rolling!
Pardon the exclamation mark, but area merchants say they’re fairly bursting with enthusiasm for the “$20 on the 20th” campaign that’s scheduled Monday.
The concept is ridiculously simple: Spend $20 on the 20th at any area merchant and see what it does to spark the economy.
“People look at the national economy and think, ‘What can I do?’ ” said Dick Huffman, president of Downtown Salisbury Inc. “It’s all so overwhelming. But this is something small and tangible we can all do.”
The Salisbury Post launched the initiative, though several others have since joined as partners. The event is co-sponsored by the city of Salisbury, the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and Rowan County.
“I’ve talked to a number of people who think it’s a great idea,” Huffman said. “I’ve had them tell me, ‘I’m going out to lunch that day in recognition of the effort.'”
A number of downtown merchants will be holding sales Monday to help residents dispose of those $20 bills that are likely burning holes in their pockets.
At the Literary Book Post, the two latest books ó “Last Child” and “Down River” ó by Salisbury author John Hart will be on sale for $20. The books list for $24.95 apiece.
“It’s a one-day only sale,” said store owner Deal Safrit. “When the day is done, the sale is off.”
He said he’s excited about the “$20 on the 20th” campaign.
“Anything to encourage shopping locally, we’re very much all over it,” Safrit said.
Pam Hylton-Coffield, owner of downtown Salisbury’s Stitchin’ Post Gifts, said her store will also have a number of sales in conjunction with the campaign. A crystal pendant that typically sells for $27 will be going for $19.99 while beads for a Chamilia bracelet that are usually $24 will also be selling for $19.99.
Hylton-Coffield said as much as she’s excited about turnout for Monday’s sale, she’s even more excited about the simple message the event conveys.
“We’re saying, ‘Hey, you people need to shop in your own hometowns. We need you,’ ” Hylton-Coffield said.
She said the end result, should customers ignore their hometown merchants, would be big box stores on every corner. No personality, no individualism, only loudspeakers and row upon row of the same type bulk merchandise found anywhere and everywhere.
“There’d be no specialty shops left,” Hylton-Coffield said. “It’d be kind of an eye-opener for everyone.”
The idea for the “$20 on the 20th” campaign came from other communities where it has been well received.