News Release: 10/28/2025

Columbus Chamber Launches “Think Local Campaign to Celebrate and Support Local Businesses This Holiday Season

COLUMBUS, Ind. The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce and community partners are kicking off the city’s Think Local campaign to encourage residents to discover and support locally-owned and operated businesses throughout the holiday season.

The campaign begins with a “walkabout” on Wednesday, November 13, designed to shine a spotlight on the surprising number of independent retailers that call Columbus home. The morning walk will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Columbus Visitors Center, where Mayor Mary Ferdon will issue a statement urging all residents to shop and spend at local businesses this holiday season, followed by visits to a few downtown merchants. The Chamber will host another “walkabout” at 2:30 p.m. at Hog Molly Brewing Company, reaching additional businesses across the city. Media representatives are invited to attend and participate.

“Columbus has a thriving small business community that includes locally-owned retailers, service providers and culinary businesses,” said Cindy Frey, President of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. “From boutiques to specialty shops and local restaurants, these small businesses give our city its unique character and contribute so much to our local economy.

At a time when businesses and individuals spend more on celebrations and gift giving, the spending is crucial to the local economy. According to the National Retail Federation, small retailers earn 20 to 40 percent of their annual revenue during November and December. For many, the holiday season determines their success for the entire year.

The Chamber’s promotional campaign includes the national Shop Small Saturday event on November 29, part of the national movement to shop at small businesses. The Chamber is the initiative’s official neighborhood champion for the American Express initiative. Residents are encouraged to explore downtown Columbus and other shopping districts, take advantage of special promotions, and share their finds on social media using the hashtag #ThinkLocalColumbus.

“Some find online shopping to be easy, but shopping local is powerful,” Frey added. “When you spend money at locally owned stores, you’re supporting your neighbors — the people who employ local residents, pay local taxes, and sponsor everything from youth sports teams to community festivals. Our message to local residents is ‘Invest in their community with your buying power.’”

The Chamber’s Think Local campaign will continue throughout the holiday season, featuring gift recommendations, retailer spotlights, and social media features that highlight the community’s diverse local shopping options.

Event Details:
What: Columbus Shop Small Kickoff Walkabout
When: Wednesday, November 13

• 10:00 a.m. – Morning Walk begins at Columbus Visitors Center (Mayor Ferdon remarks)
• 2:30 p.m. – Afternoon walkabout begins at Hog Molly Brewing Company

Who: Local retailers, Chamber members, city leaders, and community supporters
Media: Invited to attend and cover the events

For more information about the Think Local campaign or to get involved, visit www.columbusareachamber.com or follow the Chamber on social media.