Why shop local? It’s a question we get quite a bit. There have been numerous studies that show when you buy from a local, independently owned business, instead of a national, big box chain, a substantially higher amount of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers, and farms — which strengthens the economic base of the entire community.
Here are the top ten reasons why you should shop and support local businesses.
- Smaller Carbon Footprint. You will reduce the negative impact on our environment. Businesses that are locally owned make more local purchases which mean less transportation is required to obtain their inventory.
- Friends and Family. Local businesses are owned by your friends and neighbors. These people live in our community and are invested in its success. Plus, the vibe and feel you get when shopping there is a real thing. You can’t get that shopping at an online retailer.
- Community Support. When you shop local, you are helping to support community groups. Local businesses donate more per sales dollar to local non-profits, teams, and events than national chains. In fact, one recent study found that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remained in the community compared to only $43 of each $100 spent at a chain retailer.
- Better Selection. Selection is typically better. Local businesses don’t have to adhere to a national sales plan. Instead, they focus on the needs of their customers. The products they feature for sale reflect what their clients tell them they want.
- Supporting Local Employment. When it comes to employment, small, local businesses are the largest employer. They also provide more jobs to local residents. Often, the big box chains bring management-level personnel in from other cities and states.
- Cooler Items. There is a uniqueness to small businesses that is lacking in the big box stores. You are almost guaranteed to find that one- of- a -kind item when shopping in a small, family-owned store.
- Better, more personalized service. Service is typically better in a small, local business. Their team members know more about the products they carry and the community in which they live. Try asking an employee in the big box stores where the best slice of pizza can be found! When you personally know the people behind the business where you’re buying local products and services, you enjoy a connection. Along with the rest of the community, you celebrate when a favorite local business succeeds and you mourn when it’s forced to shut its doors.
- Better Use of Tax Money. Local businesses result in a stronger tax base and better use of public services as opposed to national chains. Schools, transportation, emergency response teams all benefit more from smaller, locally owned businesses.
- Community Continuity. Entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that promote their unique business. This also results in a better use of community space.
- Keep your community unique. Local businesses give a community its flavor. Cities all over America have similar chain restaurants, grocery and department stores but that diner down the street where you have breakfast every Saturday morning is one-of-a-kind. The combined presence of your town’s many local businesses makes it different from every other city in the world. By supporting those businesses instead of chains, you ensure that uniqueness is preserved as a part of your community.
Boulineau’s is your one-stop shopping destination for everything you need for a great beach vacation here in Cherry Grove. Since 1948, we’ve been providing locals and visitors with a unique one-of-a-kind shopping experience coupled with exceptional customer service. Stop by today and experience the Boulineau’s difference. You’ll see why Boulineau’s is “where everybody goes”!
(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed within are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Boulineau’s Inc. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethics group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.)
