Buying Local First. It Really Matters.
By Phillip Anderson, Life off the Highway and What’s Up 24/7
When you buy local more money stays in the community…it’s as simple as that.
The choices you make — where you shop, where you eat and where you play; all of it affects your community and your quality of life.
There are so many vital reasons to keep your money in your hometown:
Make your Community Distinct: One-of-a-kind businesses are integral to the character of your place.
Create More Local Ownership and Good Jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, and in your community, provide the most jobs to residents. Encourage start-ups!
Encourage Local Prosperity: Entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that promote and support local businesses.
Invest in Community: Local businesses are owned by your friends and neighbors who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future - just like you.
Support Community Groups: Local businesses donate more sales per dollar to local organizations, events, and schools than national chains.
Reduce Environmental Impact: Purchasing from locally-owned businesses promotes use of existing facilities, reduces excess packaging, and reduces transportation and pollution.
Improve Customer Service: Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time getting to know their customers.
Strengthen Public Services: Local businesses mean a stronger tax base and better use of public services compared to nationally-owned stores. This means better public services like schools, transportation, emergency response for you and your family.
Contribute to the Ripple Effect: Local money ripples throughout the community supporting other businesses and farms, non-profit groups, schools, and local services. For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local economy compared to only $43 if spent at a national chain.
Better Selection for You: Small businesses that select products based on their interests and the needs of their local customers rather than a national sales plan, provide a much broader range of product choices and price.
