Harvard encourages community to shop local this season

Harvard University and the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) are teaming up again this holiday season to encourage the Harvard community to “think Harvard Square” and shop locally.

Harvard President Drew Faust, members of the Harvard community, and the Harvard Square Business Association will kick off the annual Crimson Shops Local effort on Thursday, Dec. 2 , from 5 to 7 p.m. at Forbes Plaza outside the Holyoke Center.

“The heart of Harvard Square is its unique, local stores and restaurants,” said Faust. “By shopping locally this holiday season we can support neighboring businesses and do our part to ensure our community remains vibrant.”

The event will feature information and discounts to Harvard Square businesses, live music performed by Harvard students, hot cider, free Oggi’s pizza, and more.

The Crimson Shops Local effort is supported by Harvard Public Affairs and Communications and Campus Services groups, in collaboration with the Harvard Square Business Association.

The kick-off event, ads promoting local vendors in local and campus publications, and outreach across the University are all designed to encourage the Harvard community to shop locally. Harvard Square merchants rely on people who work and study in the area for approximately 40 percent of their business. Through the combined purchasing power of thousands of staff, students, and faculty members in the area, the Harvard community can have an important local impact.

In addition to the Crimson Shops Local event, other holiday events will take place in Harvard Square during the month of December. For more information, go to http://www.harvardsquare.com.