Shopping Local
Friday, June 30th, 2017
6 Reasons why we need to shop local
- Local businesses give back more to your community – By supporting a local business, you are also supporting your neighborhood, city, and town. These businesses have to pay sales taxes and these will go to the city and county the business is located in.
- Economic Impact is more direct – Studies have shown that since 1995 more than half of the jobs in the United States have been created by small business owners. The more you shop at a local store, the potential for more jobs is increased, therefore benefiting your community even more.
- Better Customer Service – Small business owners are more advantaged to know their customers personally. Therefore, this is one of biggest advantages they have over large retailers. They are able to provide more personable, hands-on, and overall better customer service.
- Product Diversity– Just because they are small businesses, does not mean their available products are limited. Small businesses have just as much access to vendors that big box businesses do. If you know of a product or service that you would like to have, let them know!
- Community Environment– You are much more likely to shop locally if you feel connected. This is why it is important to know what impact your business has on the community.
- Satisfaction Feeling – You will feel satisfied knowing that you helped someone who you knew personally. When you see a business logo on a school t-shirt, you will know that you helped make the event possible.
How do you get more involved in the small business movement?
- Shop small, of course! And not just on Small Business Saturday, but every day that you can.
- Get vocal on social – Post pictures on Facebook, leave reviews, and status updates of the small business you own, or of yourself shopping at one, and be sure to use the hashtag #ShopSmall.
- Sign up for local business’ loyalty programs – By being a member here at the chamber, we have a program to help connect local businesses.
- Check out the official Small Business Saturday site
- As a small business owner, promote Small Business Saturday in-store (download marketing materials here), send promotions via email and text, post on social and take advantage of the traffic by signing up new people to your loyalty program.
- Share this post and others like it – Raise awareness and show your support.