There is growing attention to the concept of “shopping local” rather than patronizing a big box store. So, what’s behind the movement and why should you care?
It’s easy to think that no one individual will have much of an impact on their community’s economics. But, the good news is that isn’t true. Revenue from sales taxes from local businesses support the government, and are used to reinvest in schools, parks, roads and programs that directly benefit you and the community. You’re much more of a big deal to a small business than you might imagine.
Buying local creates local jobs. Small businesses are the largest employers in the country. Since the 1970s, more than 65% of new jobs originated in small businesses! According to the Small Business Profiles, small businesses added 1.8 million net new jobs in a recent year. Small businesses in the United States employ 47.3% of the private workforce. Another fascinating statistic is that for every $100 spent, about $68 to $73 of it returns to spending in and supporting the local community.
Small businesses often play an important role in supporting community non-profits. Studies have shown that small businesses donate 250% more than large businesses to local organizations. Non-profits receive as much as 350% more money from local stores that non- locally owned businesses!
The lockdown was a prime example of big versus little, when so many small businesses were forced to close while the giant Amazon its income.
Small businesses are run by people just like you. They can be your friends, family and neighbors. They don’t answer to a board or stockholders, but they put everything they have at stake compared to a big box store. Employees there are more likely to take a personal interest in their customers and their specific needs, which results in customers having a better understanding of what they’re buying.
To a local store, purchases and positive reviews can have a greater impact on the bottom line. And, you’re much more likely to get to know the owners and employees of a small business. If there’s a problem with your purchase? Chances are you will be dealing with people who very much care about your satisfaction, not just an automated message response that leaves you frustrated.
If you don’t like to spend much of your valuable time in customer service lines, opting for a small business versus a huge store may be just the time saver you’re looking for.
Many owners of small businesses are innovators, the real essence of an entrepreneur. When they have a problem, they usually don’t consult an impersonal manual. They figure out a solution and put it to work
Unlike big box stores, locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses and service providers. The result is that businesses are helping each other grow and prosper.
Shopping local is good for you, the business itself and your community at large. By shopping local, you are making a difference in the local employment and economy with every purchase. Plus, you will probably have a much more satisfactory shopping experience with people who care about you as the customer, not just the amount of money you’re spending to meet their sales goals.