I love shopping local
- shop local
The holiday shopping season is right around the corner, and locally-owned businesses want you to think of them. Local business people make an enormous and positive contribution to the quality of life in our community. The best places to bring your friends from out of town are your local restaurants and local businesses. So develop the shop local mindset spirit and protect it, especially in these tough economic times.
When I go shopping in the city chain stores I’m appalled to see sales clerks chatting with their friends on cell phones rather than waiting on me. When I finally get their attention some don’t even have a clue what their store stocks or when the new orders come in. Asking to speak to the department manager doesn’t always produce good results. However, I have asked for several products to be brought into our local stores and management did that for me cheerfully. They made it clear that if there was a demand for the products they would continue to stock them so I contacted my friends, they contacted their friends, the word spread and the demand grew.
How shopping local benefits communities
(1) Keep the money in your community
Shopping locally keeps money in your local economy - dollars spent in locally-owned business have up to three times the impact on the community as those spent at corporate chains. There is a strong multiplier effect within the community for every dollar spent locally, whether it is for retail goods or services. Every dollar that a community member spends outside the community diminishes the economic health of the community.
(2) Keep the jobs in your community
With increasing job-loss and a shrinking labor market, supporting local businesses by shopping locally helps fund and maintain jobs in the area preventing outsourcing and the outflow of economic wealth. Additionally, locally owned businesses may often be motivated to give workers better wages and benefits.
(3) Keep the tax flow community based
Independent area businesses pay more local and state/provincial/regional taxes than do mega-corporations, keeping the tax flow community-based. By contrast, chains can actually drain tax revenue from communities when governments hand out millions in subsidies to national businesses, nominally in the interest of “job-creation.”
(4) Keep the scale small and livable
Local owners are typically more invested in thoughtful, livable planning for their communities, and their stores often require less physical space than corporate chains in suburban shopping centers. By creating cohesive city and town centers, pollution, automobile-dependency and urban sprawl can all be reduced.
(5) Keep the decision making local
Local ownership means that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions. Local businesses help build strong communities and neighborhoods, linking citizens and nurturing local causes. When businesses are owned by members of the community, the owners have obvious reasons for more strongly and insightfully considering the impacts of important decisions about growth and local politics.
(6) Keep the social experience
Shopping at local stores makes them a destination for socializing. People go to Starbucks because they know Starbucks, recognize its logo and associate it with above-average coffee. But when they see drinks from any of the myriad local java-purveyors and hear their praises sung by fellow caffeine-dependents, it can open minds to new possibilities.
(7) Keep the local options
Shopping locally gives us options. When thousands of disparate small companies compete with one another, innovation and low-prices abound. Giant multinational companies thwart this model by limiting product options and competitive pricing, as well as rendering their niche tediously uniform.
(8) Keep customer orientated service
While chains often proffer mind-numbingly detached service, local businesses can offer a more refined expertise and base of knowledge about their product, especially if it is also locally-made. Local groceries specialize in knowing how and where their foods were made and how to cook and eat them - knowledge that benefits the consumer.
(9) Keep attracting new businesses
A healthy retail sector is attractive to new businesses. Without it, communities do not stand much of a chance of attracting new businesses that increase the variety of products and services available for purchase.
(10) Keep local farmers
Many chain supermarkets have appalling ethics, particularly in their relationships with third-world farmers. Purchasing from local farmers keep them in business and places ethically grown fresh food on our tables.
(11) Keep authenticity and diversity
Shopping locally keeps non-chain shops flourishing, thereby increasing the diversity of our communities. It helps them retain their uniqueness and authenticity and encourages local innovation and creativity. (Who wants to live in clone towns?)
(12) Keep transportation costs down
Thriving local shops reduce fuel requirements and eliminate the monopoly and high pricing of supermarkets. The less distance consumer products have traveled the greater the benefits are to the environment due to the reduction and/or elimination of storage and transportation costs. In the case of food the less distance traveled from farm to plate, the fresher it is and the greater the benefits are to the environment.
Discussion questions:
(1) Do you shop locally?
(2) If so, then would you like to add to this list of benefits that result from shopping locally?
Nov 21st, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Hi Timethief,
Great article about going local. I think right now we should really be focusing on this.
Cheers,
Jeremy
Jeremy Days last blog post..Choose Your Priorities Wisely
Nov 21st, 2008 at 6:06 pm
It’s closer so you get back home faster. Your ice cream doesn’t have to get melted or soggy. No one really likes soggy ice cream. :D
Theresa111s last blog post..Morality … Through The Roof!
Nov 22nd, 2008 at 4:29 am
Great post and I totally agree. Our new town center is still trying to get its feet under it, and we shop and dine there as much as we can to support those local businesses that are working hard to stay afloat in this current economic crunch.
More and more we have gotten away from giving big chain stores and retailers our money, and I cannot remember the last time I was at a mall.
Judith HeartSongs last blog post..in the studio
Nov 22nd, 2008 at 5:14 am
Yes, I shop locally.
Other benefits:
1. It helps promote my own business. We all help one another out with referrals.
2. It’s fun running into people I know who frequent the same local merchants I do.
3. My family loves receiving handcrafted items from the local craft shops in the area. They are unique and meaningful gifts.
Pam Beerss last blog post..Guantanamo Bay Resort and Spa
Nov 22nd, 2008 at 10:35 am
Living in an extremely small town shopping local makes a BIG difference here in our community. Great article !
Allison Whites last blog post..Removing No Follow tags
Nov 23rd, 2008 at 4:38 am
It is fun finding those niche stores in local area’s, we have seen so many of them come and go, unfortunately, they can’t make it with the big conglomerates, but when you find one it sure is nice forming a relationship and getting to know them and their business. Brings back the personal touch that we have lost so long ago.
Susies last blog post..Everyone has a story to tell
Nov 23rd, 2008 at 7:04 am
That’s very true… I mean when it comes to buying vegetables, or some edible kitchen needs :D. But when it comes to… my shirts, jeans, canvas… I have to rush to the big stores.. It’s not because I am a branded kid but only because… I hate bargaining when buying (No one’s there to help me in buying :( )
Nov 23rd, 2008 at 9:52 am
I did this very thing today, instead of the usual ASDA, I went to the local markety shoppy thing - I got a few bizarre looks - well I look bizarre.
But got lots of lovely veg for a fiver!
3 pineapples for £1! bargin!
burning windmills last blog post..Some Internet Art - a one year video
Nov 23rd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Hubby & I try to shop local/support small business as much as we can (we also swore off The Evil Empire/WalMart over a year ago now.) Unfortunately the “local” small-business/pharmacist is virtually driving us to the new Walgreens down the road. He keeps refilling prescriptions my hubby doesn’t even want. In one case I erroneously picked them up (I had his cell phone for the day & got the call,) wasting $80 better spent anywhere else. Regardless of our repeated requests that they STOP this practice, he just got another call the other day that the 2 prescriptions he doesn’t even take have just been refilled…again. You’d think he’d appreciate saving the time & effort, but evidently not.
Lanas last blog post..Award…Thanks!
Nov 23rd, 2008 at 2:04 pm
tt, I have issued an award for you at my place. Cheers!
Theresa111s last blog post..Cool Awards And New Friends
Nov 24th, 2008 at 9:03 am
I enjoy the ambiance of local shops. They make me feel like they actually care about my needs. In my region we have a lot of crafters and I think it’s much more special than a quilt in a bag. Your widjit thing at the bottom is neat too. I did’nt expect to see my last post there.
Shirleys last blog post..Proof Positivity: Thanksgiving Around The Corner
Nov 25th, 2008 at 9:08 am
As usual, we are on the same page. I prefer the general feel of smaller stores anyway, even the larger local chains. Customer service matters to them. And often I can walk to these stores, which is somewhat essential since I don’t drive.
Jennifers last blog post..Inner battle
Nov 25th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Hi Timethief–
This is timely advice, right before the Holidays. I nearly always plan my menus based on what is found locally. You pointed out all the important reasons for everyone to do this. Local produce tastes SO much better than imported when they pluck it before it has ripened enough.
I wanted to stop by and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving (even though I know you are Canadian (do you Canucks do T-Day in November?). I wanted to thank you for helping me so much while I am learning about the blogosphere and blogging. Your friendship means so much to me and I have learned so much from you. I really appreciate it. You were on my gratefuls list today! :)
Take care,
Melinda
Melindas last blog post..Giving Thanks
Nov 25th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Once a week I used to drive outside town to the side road stands to get fresh fruit, vegetables, honey, nuts and other local produce.
With the high cost of gas we had to end our little tradition of going out of town on weekends. But things are looking better and next week it is set. we are going out of town. It is about time!
buddhaofhollywoods last blog post..The Mechanics of Love
Nov 25th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
@Jeremy
I’m sorry for the delay in answering these comments. Work has been extremely busy and I multitask when it comes to blogging.
Your point is well taken. In these days when politicians are pretending that there is no depression by calling it a recession it makes good sense for us to invest out shopping dollars into strengthening our local ecomony. The bonus is that by doing so we create lasting relationships with merchants who are members of our own communities.
I left a comment on your post on priorities but when I clicked submit I got a white screen so I don’t know if it was posted or not. I have placed it in a file on my computer so if it got lost in cyberspace please let me know and I’ll post it again.
Nov 26th, 2008 at 9:03 am
great tips for the upcoming season. thanks!
robins last blog post..like a writer.
Nov 26th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
@Judith Heartsong
I’m so glad you are doing the same as I am. All our local merchants here are struggling and I’m doing the best I can to support them. I rarely ever venture outside of my own community when it comes to shopping.
Nov 26th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
@Pam Beers
Thanks for reading my post, commenting and being patient waiting for me to answer you. The three points you provide are excellent inclusions. Thank you again for sharing them.
Nov 26th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
@Allison White
Ahhh so you also live in a small place where you can see the affects of local shopping close up like I can. Thanks for commenting.
Nov 26th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
@Susie
Thanks for your comment. I really enjoyed reading your last post.
Nov 28th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
@burningwindmill
Hi there. I’m glad to hear that you also shop local. I really enjoyed visiting your blog. I loved the images.
Nov 28th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
@dosox
Hello. It it was good to hear from you. I’m sorry it took me so long to reply to this comment but I have visited your blog in between and left you a comment. Although you may not like bargaining I find that local merchants are very responsive to their customers.
Nov 28th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
@Lana
Well it sure sounds like your local pharmacist needs to learn something about good customer relations. I don’t fault you for taking your business elsewhere given his performance. What a twerp!
Nov 28th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
@Theresa
Hi there. I hope you have been keeping well since my last blog visit and I thank you for honoring me.
Blessings :)
Nov 28th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Yes, I am really into local buying, a bit ashamed that it’s taken me this long. I recently read a great book about eating locally grown food– Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver– which also encouraged me to grow much more in the garden this year– fun and productive, albeit difficult in the winter. One reason you didn’t mention: Local buying simplifies any returns that might be necessary. Along the same lines, it’s usually just plain convenient– the closer you shop to home, the more likely you’ll be able to combine your errands and/or stop in on the way to someplace else, which saves both time and transportation costs. And I’ve just thought of another unusual reason that I use! It gives me a goal that I can combine with either exercise (walking, biking) or horse training/exercise (an excuse to hitch up Joey and drive the carriage). That probably doesn’t work for you cityfolks, but I get a bit lazy about How To Get Joey Worked, and although there aren’t any hitching posts in town, I still try to combine activities this way.
Nov 30th, 2008 at 8:46 am
@kerrie
Thanks for your comment. I’s good to hear that you are keeping the faith and buying local too. :)
Nov 30th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
So true. I am on such a campaign for this lately. If we don’t start using our local shops, ultimately they won’t survive. I am happy to pay a little extra and I just want people to realise it is too late when they are gone.
Chrissys last blog post..Pretty Beads
Dec 3rd, 2008 at 4:56 pm
@chrissy
I agree. We had to get with the program now or we will find ourselves crying the blues later when they are gone. :)
Dec 4th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Great post!
This is something that our country could learn from as well. The reason companies outsource jobs is the same reason people buy from non-local businesses - the money. Companies that aren’t local often are able to make their products cheaper and thus are able to attract more people to buy. Until people can directly see the effects buying non-local products has on them, there will always be that monetary appeal of buying from the non-local business.
At TownSync we are attempting to make a framework that brings the local community together with local businesses. It is a tough market but we would like to see local communities interacting online as well as in town.
TownSyncs last blog post..5 Reasons TownSync can Help Local Businesses
Dec 5th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Wow! It’s so encouraging to hear what you have underway. All the best to you. :-)
Dec 7th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
oh yes. I hate idiots that can’t drive, traffic, crowds, malls and grocery shopping. Right now, I centrally located with in like 5min of: ARMY Post, Walmart, Most of the Fast Food Restaurants, The Post Office, The DMV, etc…Love it, but hate it here in El Paso, Tx.
Oh, and I really think we need to buy AMERICAN MADE more also.
Great Post timethief
Sheilas last blog post..Relationship Money Laws
Dec 7th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Thanks Sheila :)
Dec 20th, 2008 at 6:40 am
Thank you for this well thought out article. With the economic woes, we need to consider where we spend those hard-earned dollars so they have the most direct impacts. As you describe so well, keeping local businesses helps the environment, helps preserve historic character of an area, helps your neighbor who owns the shop, helps the local economy and makes you feel more connected to your community. And yet we find ourselves in the big box stores without thinking…
Jo-Annes last blog post..The Perfect Home Office
Dec 20th, 2008 at 7:07 am
Thanks for posting this!! It should be required reading in high schools :)
I’m in Florida, and have a movement going here to shop locally. Heard about your blog from one of our members at localshops1.com.
happy holidays!
Dec 20th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
@localshops1com
Thanks for the recognition. I do agree that this kind of information needs to be taught to kids of all ages. lol :D