Culpeper, VA – Culpeper residents showed up big for small business during this year’s Be A Culpeper Local Week, held August 2–10. Now in its fourth year, the nine-day celebration of local businesses set new records for participation, sales and community engagement.
Over the course of the week, participating businesses recorded more than 6,100 transactions, generating an estimated $340,000+ in local economic impact, dollars that stayed in the community and directly supported local jobs and services. The event has grown dramatically since its start, expanding from just 26 businesses in 2022, to 71 businesses during this year’s event. One business owner shared, “The increase in SALES, not just foot traffic, was incredible. It’s clear this event had the businesses in mind, and we appreciated that so much.”.
This year’s participating businesses represented a wide range of industries from restaurants, boutiques and specialty retail to beauty, wellness, home, garden, arts and professional services. More than 50 businesses offered promotions like percentages off or free gifts with purchase, while all participants rewarded shoppers with gold star stickers toward this year’s event punch card challenge. That challenge proved more popular than ever, with 284 people earning the limited-edition #ChooseCulpeper t-shirt, featuring a design selected through a community-wide t-shirt contest. As one business owner put it, “The swag and competitiveness of collecting the gold stars was my favorite part of the event! Even adults love stickers.”
Social media played a major role in amplifying the excitement. Residents enthusiastically liked, commented on and shared the department’s daily business highlights, helping to spread the word and show support for their favorite shops and services. One business reported, “It got people exposed to businesses they don’t think of when shopping local. A lot of clients were appreciative of the promotion.”
For many, the week was about more than just shopping, it was about connection. “Community involvement and the excitement around town were my favorite parts,” said one business. Another added, “This was a fun event to be a part of! I loved spreading the word about the event, and my kids and I loved going around to the different participants.” Culpeper resident Nora Rice shared, “We discovered some shops new to us—especially the Bear and Blade, who do knife sharpening. I’ve already told several friends, and they’re planning to visit, too.”
Hosted by Culpeper County Economic Development, Be A Culpeper Local Week celebrates the people and businesses that shape the community, encouraging residents to shop small, support local and have fun doing it. Winona Pritts, Business Development Manager for the department shared, “The energy throughout the county was contagious. People weren’t just shopping—they were connecting with their neighbors, discovering new favorites, and celebrating what makes Culpeper special.”