Interesting idea, but is a "local currency" really necessary to get people to shop locally? Part of the issue in some areas is also the fact that the big-box stores etc. are almost all that's available within a reasonable distance, or the local shops just don't carry what a person is looking for; therefore shopping locally isn't always practical. I'll admit to sometimes shopping at Target and even Walmart though I do like a couple of regional discount chains we have here (Building 19 and Ocean State Job Lot) and tend to go to those stores first if looking for something they are likely to have (besides, the prices at those places are GREAT). For hiking/outdoor gear, there is a locally owned store (which even gives a 10% discount to AMC members) that I try to go to instead of going to EMS, although I end up buying a lot of that stuff online at places like Campmor/Sierra Trading Post because of the huge price difference. Sometimes, however, I am not able to find what I'm looking for there so end up going somewhere else anyway. I wish it were easier to shop locally--what might be some ways to help that happen?