Shockoe Bottom store specializing in contemporary furniture has carved a national reputation. Owner says “good design should stand the test of time.“

In an effort to bring shoppers into locally owned businesses, Richmond-area retailers are pushing an initiative to tell the public about the importance of spending money at companies that are part of the community. The Retail Merchants Association of Richmond is spearheading the campaign, which was the focus of its monthly First Friday Forum breakfast yesterday.

The Retail Merchants Association will begin a push next month to get shoppers focused on buying and supporting local merchants. The campaign will include various ad components, store signage and a Web presence touting the message: Think. Shop. Buy. Local.

Metro Business asked Andy Thornton, co-owner of LaDifférence home-furnishings store at 14th and Dock streets in downtown Richmond, about operating a business downtown and what the future holds for that area: “We really enjoy the whole character of what is down here. “Everybody in retail is challenged right now no matter where you are in the country. Downtown is having its own issues like the West End. “But the long term is a really exciting place to be. “[Downtown] just has a great dynamic. . . . People have a totally different perspective on life down here.“ Watch the full video interview with Thornton on TimesDispatch.com. Keyword: Metro Business