Top 10 | Reasons to Support Local
the best outcome, not your money.
It’s no secret, the bigger the company the more dollar-centric their focus. They only care about numbers and profit so they can get richer and pay their shareholders a fat return on their investment. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to a local shop - their employees and their clients are not just a number. They’ll guarantee you a product and service that’s REAL, genuine and sincere. Often the retail price is the same as its set by the manufacturer, however their margins and buying power are typically less. The cost out of pocket is of no consequence, so why not choose a more personal and meaningful interaction? Supporting local means your money is going to go back into the business to give it the ability to succeed in the future, as well as keep the money circulating in your local economy.
defining “Local.”
Everyone wants to claim they are local these days. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Technically giant mega stores of any kind are local, since they have a location in your area…. but sometimes it’s not so black and white. When you are aiming to support LOCAL, think INDEPENDENT businesses - no matter what the marketing campaign says. Small boutique or consignment clothing stores, toy stores, gift shops, hardware stores, salons, restaurants and sports equipment stores are examples of owner-run businesses carving out a living against the multi-national, heavy hitting chain stores and equity firm owned retail outlets.
1. Character
To put it all on the line and commit to entrepreneurship, is not an easy path. Supporting someone who is striving to succeed on their own, helps support entrepreneurship in general and encourages others to follow their dreams too.
2. integrity
There are no company-wide strategies, or perks to push certain brands or products that make the most margin. There’s no angle. This means you get an honest education to make an informed decision - yourself. You can trust you’re being guided by real people and not swirling in the sales funnel.
3. in person shopping
It is convenient to touch and feel a product in person, before buying it - not on a computer screen. Brick and mortar stores allow you to get your purchase right, the first time - offering a more green and less wasteful shopping experience. If the idea of having to order things sight unseen, without an option to purchase in store is unthinkable - add shopping local to your routine or for your next large purchase.
4. Local Jobs
Locally-owned businesses create a more sustainable community - since they use other local business such as printers, accountants, bookkeepers, lawyers, graphic designers, cleaners, consultants, display fixture and harware stores, lending and financial sign companies and more - supporting other entrepreneurs by further investing in local products and services.
5. Community Involvement
Many independent business owners give back to their community and donate to multiple local causes every year. Is there a local cause that you support? I bet you’ll find a number of business owners in town have made donations to the cause as well. Supporting them helps them support the local causes you are passionate about too. Studies show that nonprofits receive 250 percent more support from small businesses than large ones. Did you know every dollar spent at an independent business contributes 3 times more money into the local economy compared to money spent at a chain?
6.out of the box
Tired of the run of the mill, plan o gram lay outs and the cookie cutter retail experience? Unique one off shops merchandised on site offer visual interest, variety and the freedom to be creative.
7.customer support
What if you have a problem with your purchase? If you do have an issue with your product - rest assured you won’t be hashing it out with a robot or someone reading from a script like they are one - or find yourself on the other end of a 1-800 number. You can reach out or show up to chat face to face to get the help you need.
8. Customer Service
Small business owners are more likely to go above and beyond for their customers because they are personally invested in their business. Reputation and quality are very important, everything actually… to a small business. When it comes to a small-business owner - every purchase and positive review matters. Local store owners value each one of their customers and their very livelihood rests on their client’s happiness. Unlike big chains, local businesses often hire people with proficient knowledge of the products they are selling. They also are able to retain employees, with less turnover. Therefore their employees are able to develop long term relationships with the customer and take the time to really get to know their clients - making for an overall pleasant experience, long term.
9. product knowledge & Expertise
Local business owners are informed about their products, their people and their clients - so they can easily pivot to serve the needs and demands of their clients locally. Shopping at an independent store means you can get an honest, expert opinion about the products that you’re purchasing. Oftentimes, the local shop has to the expert in their field, in order to compete.
10. future growth
Shopping locally is the best way to show pride in your city and help protect the businesses that make our city unique, allowing them to thrive.
Other ways to support local businesses.
When it comes to supporting a local business, you can do a lot of good even if don’t make a purchase. Follow them on social media - like and share their posts. Make sure you share their promos, events, sales and announcements - so that you can help them achieve a broader reach. Join their newsletter. Tell a friend. Rave. Be their biggest fan. They are truly grateful!
There is rewarding and practical purpose to shopping local. So next time you have the chance to choose between the local business or a big box alternative - go local. It’s the clear choice for you and your community’s future.
The Adventure Awaits.
Photo by Tim Mossholder.