Mayor Walsh launches '#5onMain' challenge

BOSTON -  Mayor Martin J. Walsh today kicked off the City of Boston's annual "Holidays on Main Streets" campaign, a small business initiative to encourage Boston residents to shop local this holiday season. At the celebration held at the Roslindale Village Main Street holiday tree lighting, Mayor Walsh announced the relaunch of the "#5onMain" challenge, and recognized Small Business Saturday and related activities throughout the City of Boston Main Street Districts. 

"I'm urging every holiday shopper to enjoy what our Main Street districts have to offer this holiday season by participating in the '5 on Main' challenge," said Mayor Walsh. "Our Main Street districts are an important part of our local economy. Out of every dollar spent in a local business district, 58 cents will be returned to that community, fueling our local economies and contributing to more vibrant neighborhoods."

Mayor Walsh's "#5onMain" challenge is designed to inspire holiday shoppers to support Main Streets and other local commercial districts during the holiday season. Participants pledge to support local businesses at least five times during the holiday season, either by purchasing gifts, dining or participating in local holiday events in Main Streets districts. Holiday shoppers are encouraged to accept the challenge via social media, using the hashtag "#5onMain."

Our Main Street districts are an important part of our local economy. Out of every dollar spent in a local business district, 58 cents will be returned to that community.

Recent data from Deloitte University Press' 30th Annual Holiday Survey indicates that there will be an increase in consumer holiday spending, with average holiday spending projected at $1,462 in 2015, up from $1,299 in 2014. The survey shows although consumers are moving to shopping online, they still prefer to buy locally and in-store to support their local community and economy, find one-of-a-kind gifts and enjoy the convenience of shopping in their neighborhoods. According to the Small Business Association, nearly half of the working adults in Massachusetts are employed by a small business.

To participate in the Mayor's Holiday Challenge on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, use the hashtag #5onMain. To help shoppers and businesses participate in the Challenge, we have draft tweets for participants in our social media kit and a package of shareable graphics. For a list of Main Streets districts and to learn more about the program, visit the Boston Main Streets website.