We are sure you’ve heard of the phrase, “Shop Small”. Or perhaps the slogan, “Shop Local”. While their presence in the media is gaining speed, these aren’t just another fad. In fact, it is proving to be a lasting movement to support and encourage local businesses and upcoming entrepreneurs. Shopping local is the best way to boost your local economy and the overall outlook for the town you love to call home.
The reasons to shop local and support small businesses go on and on. Take a look at a few of these
More money spent in your economy means more money stays in your economy.
For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.*
Create a unique, diverse community
You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way? Boosting your local economy allows for more entrepreneurs and their businesses to thrive.
More thriving businesses requires more people in the local workforce
Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. When you shop locally, you help create jobs for teachers, firemen, police officers, and many other essential professions.
Shop Local, Go Green
Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging. Because local businesses make more local purchases, less transportation is required and no shipping. In turn, you’re contributing less to pollution, traffic congestion, habitat loss and resource depletion.
Knowing your local business owners creates a stronger, unified community
Local business owners know you, and you know them. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains. Working together creates a sense of local pride and a desire to help one another.
Conserve those tax dollars
Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify your community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong— in your community!
Your local offerings have YOU in mind
Locally owned businesses pick the items and products they sell based on what they know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wider array of unique products because they buy for their own individual markets.
Create opportunities for mentorships, workshops, and growing craft
You are their friends and neighbors, and locally owned businesses have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. They’re passionate about what they do. Why not take advantage of it?
Create a local destination people will make the trip for
The more interesting and unique you community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests. This benefits everyone as more people come to eat at your favorite restaurant, try on clothes at your local boutique, and stride down your city’s sidewalks.
Make your community the one to be in and create a more profitably, sustainable economy for time to come. Shop small. The Future is Local!
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