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Directory aims to boost Pleasanton business, shopping

The "shop local" movement is gaining visibility and supporters throughout the nation, as studies have shown that communities benefit more from dollars spent close to home.

Research has shown that 68% of the money spent at a locally owned business remains in the community, compared to only 43% for national chain-store purchases.

The "Shop Local" program conducted this holiday season by the city of Pleasanton, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce and the Pleasanton Downtown Association will be closely followed by another program to connect Pleasanton shoppers with local businesses.

A new website--a directory of nearly all businesses in Pleasanton--will feature profiles of companies, special offers and coupons, restaurant menus, photos, maps, event announcements and more.

The program is a collaboration of the Pleasanton Weekly, the city of Pleasanton, the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, and the Pleasanton Downtown Association. Its aim is to raise awareness of the products and services offered by local merchants and their importance to the vitality of the community.

With the website, any business physically located in Pleasanton can create a free profile, including photos, product offerings, coupons, links to its website, gift certificates and much more. Residents can search for businesses by name or category, display profiles with maps and contact information, browse special offers of all merchants, buy gift certificates and post comments about individual businesses. New offers or updates to a business's profile can be quickly spotted through a news feed on the site. Look for it after the holidays.

-Gina Channell-Allen