The Importance Of Shopping Local
Christmas is coming and this year I’m trying to make the most of my Christmas gift-buying by keeping it local! I love small businesses, I own a small business, and I want to share with you why I think shopping small and local is so important!
When you buy local, more of your dollars stay local!
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.*
Shopping Local Decreases the impact on the environment
The 2-day shipping concept is very convenient but when you stop to think about the packaging, gas, and time it takes to deliver your purchases to your door, it’s kind of crazy! When you buy local you are drastically reducing the environmental impact of your purchase!
Shopping Small and Local Helps Builds a stronger community
Local business owners are much more likely to reinvest back into the community. It also encourages entrepreneurship, which I am a huge fan of!
Competition and Diversity Increases Consumer Choices
If we all buy everything from the unnamed online retail giant, we will ultimately reduce our choices! A marketplace with lots of different kinds of stores helps encourage innovation and keeps prices lower! A huge bonus is also that local businesses prioritize stocking things that are relevant to your area and lifestyle.
*Source: Civic Economics – Andersonville Study of Retail Economics.