Local establishments are the lifeblood of many communities. Without small businesses, the landscape of towns across the world would appear much different. Though big-box stores like Target and Walmart have begun to dominate the international marketplace, mom-and-pop shops still remain as integral as ever. Of course, smaller establishments can only exist when customers actually patronize them. This is one of a number of important reasons to consider shopping locally.
Bolster the Community
The most important reason to shop at local businesses is that you are helping to keep these establishments up and running. More importantly, patronizing these smaller shops may actually be improving the conditions of your community. Research has suggested that small businesses give back to local communities at a much higher rate than big-box stores.
According to Andersonville Study of Retail Economics, for every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. When you spend that same $100 at a national chain, only $43 stays in the community.
Sourced Locally
A number of smaller companies also work together. These days, it is quite common for a local restaurant to source ingredients from farms and gardens within the community. When you decide to eat at a table that prides itself on providing meals made from local ingredients, it means you are helping an array of mom-and-pop establishments in one swoop. Purchasing products and supplies locally also reduces the amount of gas and energy used to transport products long distances, as well as reduces the amount of plastic and packaging for shipping.
Every little bit helps! CR Digital became Green Business certified with the City of Glendale and is already saving money!
Connection Matters
In the digital age, a connection can mean different things. More and more people are shirking the power of in-person conversations for exchanges conducted online. Reports have suggested that communities all over the world are shrinking and changing due to the number of people who prefer to spend time on their laptops or smartphones. When you shop local, you are helping to bolster your community. Creating a sense of community is important in these dividing times and it doesn’t take much to pop over into a local store to see what’s being offered. It is a lot more likely your neighbor will help your out over a big box franchise.
- 10 More Reason to shop locally from Raleigh, NC
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- Economic Impacts of Shopping Locally
Feeling Good
Buying from local businesses has a way of encouraging a positive feeling within. How many times have you gone to a fast-food restaurant and felt pangs of guilt afterward? If you’re craving a burger, skip McDonald’s and Burger King and see if you can find a juicy option from a local eatery. Chances are good that you’ll feel a lot better after finishing off a local burger rather than one crafted in an impersonal manner at a corporate franchise.
Buying from small businesses has a way of encouraging a positive feeling within. How many times have you gone to a fast-food restaurant and felt pangs of guilt afterward? If you’re craving a burger, skip McDonald’s and Burger King and see if you can find a juicy option from a local eatery. Chances are good that you’ll feel a lot better after finishing off a local burger rather than one crafted in an impersonal manner at a corporate franchise.
There are plenty of excellent reasons to consider shopping locally. If you want to bolster your community and discover some new favorite spots, then be sure to head out and see what exciting small establishments exist in your area. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover on your search.
