Providence launches buy local campaign

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The city of Providence has launched its annual "buy local" and "buy art" campaigns to encourage residents to support local businesses during the holiday shopping season.

Mayor Angel Taveras kicked off the campaign at a women's apparel store in Wayland Square. He says local merchants and artists have everything shoppers could want for everyone on their gift list, with a benefit to the local economy.

The mayor says 68 cents of every dollar spent locally stays in Providence, compared to 43 cents on purchases at big-box retailers. The city has sponsored a buy local campaign since 2005.

Providence is offering drivers two hours of free holiday parking in several commercial and retail districts starting on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.