You’ve probably heard the old saying to think globally but act locally. While considering the way that commerce is now a global enterprise, many consumers are trying to focus their dollars on local businesses. Local businesses must work hard to earn the attention of consumers by maintaining an online presence and making themselves stand out. According to a Metro Family Magazine article, there are many reasons to shop locally before heading to a big box mass retailer’s store.
Increased Economic Activity in the Community
Shopping at local merchants first helps build strong community ties and economic activity in the community, explains this article from Stay Local. Because many local businesses do business with other local shop owners, much of the money spent at a hometown store will stay within the community. This helps to reduce leakage of dollars and tax bases. When there are many local businesses, competition is increased and you may benefit from this competition in the form of lower prices.
More Jobs
Small businesses help to employ entrepreneurs and allow them to enjoy their lifelong passions. Cashiers, stocking staff, and even the people who come to the business and install the fixtures and service the furnace all benefit from you spending your dollars at a local business.
Increased Convenience
If you’ve ever spent hours walking through a 200,000 square foot building trying to find the last item on your shopping list, you’re not alone. Instead of wandering through a cavernous warehouse, you can spend your time chatting with the owner of a local business. Small businesses often have an extensive knowledge about their products. They may be able to offer tips on how to best use the product, how to care for the item and how to get your money’s worth.
Personalized Service
Becoming a regular at your locally owned and operated business affords you the opportunity for personalized service. The clerks will begin to recognize you and let you know about items that may be of interest to you. You may be offered special discounts and sales or invitations to special events, explains this article on Wholly Craft. Many local businesses, such as Trio Hardware, become community favorites and endure for many generations, explains this article on CNN. The strong community ties, dedication to customer service and commitment to high-quality care has allowed this small business to thrive even with competition from larger retailers.
Unique and Characteristic Products
According to this article on Homes Alive, you can find locally made dog treats online. Local businesses have a vested interest in ensuring that their products are safe, well-made and live up to their promises. You can find quirky gifts, one-of-a-kind products and specialty items that just aren’t available anywhere else. Locally owned businesses dedicated to food may offer homegrown products while small bookshops may stock hardcovers and paperbacks written by local authors and poets.