Last November’s Shop Local Day was such a success that Chesapeake Bank and the Chamber of Commerce in Gloucester are doing it again.

The bank and the Chamber of Commerce are partnering with local businesses on Saturday, April 27, to provide another opportunity for local merchants to help shoppers discover the benefits of shopping close to home.

Julia Tyler of Cattail’s in Mathews thought the November promotion did much to highlight local businesses. "We certainly experienced an increase in business that day," she said. "I think everyone tried to shop locally to support neighborhood merchants."

"People are beginning to fully understand the many benefits and economic impact of shopping in our community," said Paula Milsted, director of marketing at Chesapeake Bank. "Not only it is more convenient, independent merchants often carry a better variety of goods and can accommodate customers in ways larger chain stores cannot. Shopping locally is also eco-friendly, as it re...