As we approach Valentine’s day give yourself, your friends and the local community a gift simply by SHOPPING LOCAL. I’m not sure if you realize the benefits to our local economy when you choose to shop at locally owned businesses, but they are significant. I’ve listed three below, but there are many more.
1. By the numbers: By choosing to shop at locally owned businesses, you are actually supporting the entire local economy. For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 stays in the local economy versus $43 if you shop at national chains. If we can somehow influence a seemingly small 10% shift in market share from national chains to local businesses, the result can be the addition of 1600 jobs and $140 million in new economic activity. That’s HUGE!
2. Better goods and services: I bet most of you have a connection to a local business owner, whether it’s because you are a regular customer or maybe a friend has the entrepreneurial spirit. You know they are always thinking about giving their customers — who are their friends and neighbors — a better shopping experience than they would get at a national chain. When you work closely with the community you service you have to walk taller and work harder. And, a local consumer can pop in any time to see the business in action.
3. Community of giving: Another important benefit of shopping locally, is that when our local business economy is strong, our local community of giving is strong. The non-profit groups that help care for and enhance our community benefit from a thriving local economy. There’s more money to give because more of it stays in our community. When the nonprofits are able to provide the services and support our community needs, we all benefit.
I could go on and on about the benefits of shopping locally. If you need more reasons, click here. I encourage you to add more local shops to your holiday shopping plans. I would love to hear about your experiences and suggestions.
Robert Courts
NMLS#116120