Shopping local is a great way to be a more conscious consumer. In today’s world, it is easy to focus on low prices over what is best for your community.
However, shopping local is not only beneficial for your community, but for yourself, and your relationships with others as well.
Here are 5 reasons why I recommend shopping local:
1. It keeps your community unique.
You can travel pretty much anywhere in America and expect to find a grocery store, a restaurant, and a gas station. However, it isn’t chains like Walmart or McDonalds that make your town special. Rather, it is the unique diners or gift shops that give your community character. By supporting these establishments, you help ensure their place in your community.
2. It Helps grow your economy.
Shopping local is actually far more beneficial to your local economy than shopping at chains. A Michigan State University study showed, that for every $100 spent locally, $73 stays in the community. In contrast, for every $100 spent at non-local businesses, only $43 remains in the community. This is because corporations have no incentive to leave money in your community, other than paying wages.
In contrast, local shop owners are invested in your community and thus are more likely to donate to local causes and spend their money at other local businesses for marketing, accounting, and etc.
3. It is often more ethical.
By shopping local you are more likely to find products that have been produced by local artists, or are fair trade. Some corporations have been known to stock their stores with items produced in over sea sweat shops, which is why their products are so cheap. By shopping locally, you are in a better position to find out where your items are coming from and shop more responsibly.
4. It is a great way to build friendships.
People who work at local businesses are usually far more invested in getting to know their customers than corporations are. This is because local shops are usually ran by the owners themselves, or people who are passionate about the products being sold there. The friendships you can build in local shops are simply not replicable in big chain stores.
5. You can find special gift for others.
Unlike chains, who for the most part stock the same products in all their stores, small businesses are unique and thus are a great place to buy gifts for your friends, family, or even yourself. Buying a gift from a local shop is a far kinder gesture than buying something on Amazon Prime and can make your loved ones feel special.
Next time you find yourself in a city center, consider scoping out the local shops and spending your money somewhere it can have a greater impact on the community, and your shopping experience!