The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Chamber:
The Charles River Regional Chamber is launching Small Shops, a new pilot program designed to support independently owned, single-location brick-and-mortar retailers in Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley. Eligible retailers will receive free basic chamber membership, granting them access to essential networking, advocacy, business resources and marketing opportunities. “Our small independent retailers face many challenges, including competition from online shopping, soaring operating costs, staffing shortages and, now, worries about tariffs, immigration, the financial markets and overall economic uncertainty,” said Greg Reibman, the chamber’s president and CEO. “At the same time, our small shops bring vibrancy to our small downtowns and village centers. They’re part of what makes our communities desirable places to live and work,” Reibman added.