Oct. 25--GREENSBORO -- Buy Triad First has a message for you:

We can't stop you from shopping at the big-box retailers or buying stuff online. But that's not our intent. We just want you to spread your dollars around by shopping at locally-owned stores, too. You won't regret it.

Buy Triad First continues to spread that message in asking shoppers to pick three independently owned businesses and spend $50 a month there.

Buy Triad First is a network of locally owned and independent businesses. It's part of a national movement called the 3/50 Project that began in March.

"Most people are pleasantly surprised when they begin to shop at these stores," said Betsy Gauthier, president of Loco for Coco (1420-D Westover Terrace; 333-0029).

Her store sells handmade, gourmet chocolates with no preservatives or additives, which means they taste better. That's something you'd be hard pressed to find at a national retailer.

Local merchants also say they provide better customer service than national retailers.

"You can't put a price on that," said Gina Deese, co-owner of A.C.T. Fitness (5314 West Friendly Ave.; 617-5304), a health and wellness studio.

"Customers trust us," said Stan Neerman, owner of the family-run Arthur's Fine Shoes (2920-B Martinsville Road; 286-9290). "They can tell when they walk in here it's a special environment."

So far, Buy Triad First has 30 members, but it continues to grow, said group founder Dottie Cooke.

Cooke is owner of Jack Cecil (2920-D Martsinville Road; 286-1100), which sells clothes, accessories, home and bath, handbags and TOMS shoes.

She pitched the idea of forming a group to 60 merchants in June after learning about the 3/50 Project.

Aside from getting a good value from buying local, Cooke cites figures by the 3/50 Project that show for every $100 you spend at a local store, $68 goes back to the local economy. If it's spent at a national chain store, $42 goes back. Online? Zero.

"I think the consumer needs to realize, too, that they may be saving a dollar here by shopping at a box store, but what it's doing to our community is going to hurt them in the long run," Cooke said.

More information about Buy Triad First at www.buytriadfirst.com.

Silver Gallery opens

Silver Gallery Int'l & Boutique (615 Friendly Center Road; 286-1414) recently celebrated its grand opening at Friendly Center with hors d'oeuvres, drinks, discounts and door prizes.

The upscale boutique carries brand-name items, including Chamila, Waxing Poetic, Brighton, Hobo, Big Buddha, Anuschka and Swarovski.