One marketing campaign designed to boost business for a group of merchants is getting some play in Peoria.
One developer says will help keep sales tax dollars in the local community.

Just recently a new marketing campaign kicked off here at Junction City.
It's called "Shop Local Peoria."

"When you shop at a local business the tax dollars that come from there are kept in the local community. They don't go outside to any type of franchise fees or big pool of money for advertising or continuing those chains across the country," said Jordan Borders of Junction Ventures the company which owns the plaza.

Borders says local businesses promote individuality, helps create jobs and merchants tend donate to more charities compared to big retail chains.
She adds the campaign also gives merchants a platform to network among themselves.

"We're really excited about it. I think it's just gonna showcase what the individual store owners have to offer. We kind of specialize. We like to service our customers," said Val Mellen co-owner of The Bronze Frog.

We asked some shoppers what drives their spending habits.

"I think that if we support local stores more than the big chains we’re gonna have more variety and nicer places to shop," said shopper Linda Wood.

"The big chains have run too many people out of business. I support the small guy," said shopper Elizabeth Myers.

About a dozen new merchants will go inside a renovated building on the backside of the shopping plaza.
Junction City managers hope to bring in local tenants.
One of them includes a new nail spa for this area and talks are underway for an eatery at this spot.

"We feel that they're a very good bet, in terms of sustainability. That's why we're working so hard for them," said Chuck Hollis real estate director at Junction Ventures.

Hollis says the more of them the more sales taxes for the Peoria community.