We choose whether to buy goods and services from large national chains or small, locally owned enterprises every day. As consumers, we usually base these selections on factors like cost and convenience.
With the holidays quickly approaching, here are a few reasons to keep those dollars local.
You invest in your community.
When money is spent locally, it can be redistributed locally, increasing economic activity overall and enlarging the local tax base. That means the money goes back into the community, helping to fund schools, municipal services, and other local programs.
You know what to expect.
Have you ever placed an online order only to be let down when it arrived? Perhaps the item was smaller than you anticipated or the color was not at all the same as the image the company used on its website. Maybe after seeing it in-person, you just don’t like it.
Sometimes it’s difficult to get a clear picture of what an item is like when looking at it online.
You support local jobs.
Small, local businesses, are the biggest employers in the country. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, small businesses have created 12.9 million new jobs over the past 25 years.
Purchasing locally increases the likelihood that employment levels will remain steady. Patronizing local businesses may even open up more employment opportunities for locals.
Good old-fashioned human interaction.
Some people don’t like doing business face to face. Still others view it as a huge advantage.
You interact with people when you shop in person. Who knows—you might run into an old friend or you may find your next opportunity. There are numerous occasions when the human element can be beneficial, from the recommendations of the store owner to a suggestion from a fellow customer.
Local Businesses Add to Quality of Life
As Michael H. Shuman suggests in his book, Going Local, “Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages, and serve primarily local consumers.”
Spending money locally can be one of the main drivers of a prosperous local economy and supports a welcoming and long-lasting business environment.
Successful businesses have a significant impact on the quality of life in a community. More business means more revenue and job opportunities.
Small Business Saturday is Nov. 26 this year.