Made In America: Local Push To Buy U.S.A. ProductsGASTONIA, NC- In Gastonia, the All-American City, there's a grassroots effort to practice patriotism in your purchases. "This is America. The stores should be equally stocked with quality American products, made by Americans who are supporting their family," said Tammy Cantrell, a Gastonia resident. Jeanette West and Tammy Cantrell started a Facebook page two weeks ago, sending out local deals and where to buy American-made products. "If they're buying more, then companies are going to be producing more, if companies are producing more, they're going to be hiring more Americans to produce American products to stock the shelves," said West. More manufactures are making the ‘Made in American” labels and American flags more obvious so consumers can notice. Now, local advocates want stores to jump on board. West and Cantrell are taking their message to store owners and managers. "Can you put a flag label on the shelf where the price is for that item, just so those who are looking for it might fight it more easily and those who aren't looking for it will take notice,” said West. From cleaning products to cosmetics, owners of Ecolicious in East Charlotte stock their shelves with 98 percent American-made stuff. Close to 50 percent are made in North Carolina. "Not only does it cut down on transport, which cuts down on fuel cost and carbon emissions, but also keeps money in our country," said Fiona Humphries, co-owner of Ecolicious. Retail experts say, for the average family struggling in the tough economy, cost will override where a product is made. "If you have two products on the shelf, one is made in America and the other one isn't, but the American-made product is 20 percent more, unfortunately the average American is going to select the cheaper product," said Doug Stevens, president of Retail Prophet Consulting. West and Cantrell say you can still get a deal, but it will take longer to find. Buy American Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Buy-American-Gaston-County/149403508502236 |
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