April 9, 2026

Small-Scale Shop-Local Campaign Yields Big Results

Culpeper, VA, is about to embark on the fifth annual Be A Culpeper Local event. The promotion aims at engaging residents and visitors, deepening relationships with downtown merchants, and supporting Culpeper County’s shop-local initiative.

In addition to attracting shoppers with giveaways, discounts, and punch cards, the event is designed to inform and educate. The Culpeper Department of Economic Development shares information on the impact of shopping locally and highlights participating businesses through social media. These posts offer a free, customized marketing opportunity that connects each business with customers.

The county’s economic development department partners with the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce and the local Main Street organization to promote the event and encourage business participation.

"While Culpeper’s specific branding and partners are unique, the overall structure and goals translate broadly," says Winona Pritts, business development coordinator for Culpeper County and organizer of the event. "Smaller communities, especially those with limited staff and budgets, can replicate this event by leveraging existing business networks, encouraging creative community input, and using grassroots outreach for maximum impact."

More on Be A Culpeper Local appears in the April issue of Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter.

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