A little peer pressure can be a good thing when you go shopping in downtown and Old Sacramento this fall: The savings double when you bring a friend.

The Downtown Sacramento Partnership and local businesses encourage you to shop Sept. 13-22 at participating downtown and Old Sacramento businesses and save 10 percent on all purchases. If you bring a friend, you’ll both save 20 percent.

Why is shopping local important? According to the independent business support organization The 3/50 Project, $68 of every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. Spend that at a national chain, and only $43 stays local. Buying online? None of it stays local.

Some of the downtown and Old Sacramento businesses participating in Shop Local include:
Bella Vue
Chef’s Olive Oil Mix
Chef’s Mercantile
Christmas & Co.
Gabby Girl
Her Closet Boutique
Mea Vita
Old City Kites
Taylor’s Art & Soul
U.BE.U. Fashion Boutique

Exclusions may apply to some offers, so check with participating businesses for more details.

Melissa Corker is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter @MelissaCorker.