10 Reasons To Support Local Businesses

[admin]

People make choices everyday on where to shop and do their business. Because of their ability to purchase massive quantities of goods, giant retailers like Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble and Target often have small retail operations beat when it comes to discount pricing or "sales". But are low prices really all they’re cracked up to be? If the lowest price is the only way to lure you as a customer, then the dilemma is a troubling one. However, there are many ways in which locally owned and operated businesses definitely have a leg up on big stores.

Here are 10 of the best reasons you should continue to patronize local independent retailers more often:

#1 They’re more willing and tend to purchase their stock from local, regional, and state producers, whether it’s sausage, bread, software or donuts. Local owners also support local suppliers in the area which contributes to the economies of neighboring areas and has an economic trickle down effect that directly helps you.

#2 They can be more responsive to the needs of the local community. They can stock up on supplies for an upcoming local event. They knew it was cold a little longer this year and carried winter clothing on the racks when larger stores got ready for Spring. They know when the Suncoast Offshore Races are in town and when the county fair is every year so they don't run out of beach chairs, sunscreen or coolers at inopportune times.

#3 They tend to hire local young people and retirees, who, in turn, spend a portion of their paychecks back in town. If you have a teenager looking for their first job, chances are the first hire will be with a local business owner who is willing to give them a chance despite their blank resume.

#4 They can offer special orders, fulfill your special needs and, on occasion, bulk purchasing if customers request them, Gluten-free bakery products or hardwood mulch are examples, much of which is made locally as well.

#5 They support and give money to local schools through team sponsorships, athletic and drama program advertising, work-study placements and mentoring, because they know students’ parents appreciate it and they also realize students may eventually become customers themselves.

#6 They live, shop, bank, worship, and educate their children locally, so their rent and mortgage, entertainment, tithing and tax dollars stay in the area. Because of their strong personal ties to community members, they are less likely to pick up and just move out of the community during hard economic times.

#7 They join and give financial support to local civic groups like Rotary or Junior League who in turn support special projects and offer scholarships.

#8 Local Business owners also support the local arts and culture in the area  contributing to a healthy, vital and well rounded community.

#9 Their success means the community’s success. For example, they may use a local printer for their advertising flyers, enabling the printer to print posters for the high school play at a reduced cost; the local grocery co-op sells locally produced fruits and cheeses for another shop’s gourmet cooking classes, helping keep community farms alive; the local farmers host field trips for local fourth-graders whose families patronize the local pizza joint which buys tomatoes and lettuce from the co-op. Synergy in action!

#10 No More Red Tape. Local business owners restore a personal touch, a time-honored work ethic, and care. Ever had an accidental overdraft at a bank? Large corporate banks stand by they're strict policies and hit you with enormous fees. Local banks have the power to see past an extenuating circumstance and be more accommodating to their customers because they know them. Local business owners are in the business of providing goods and services to their customers. They know their customers matter and understand the power of calling customers by their name, following through on promises and have the power to make instant decisions without having to check with corporate.

Local business owners — whether mom-and-pop operations, mother-son partnerships or brother-and-sister ventures — are vital to our community. And our community is vital to local businesses, because they’re part of the fabric of the local culture in a way corporate giants can't compete. We need them, and they need us. Loyal customers just like you can keep them alive and thriving. So go shop local today!!

by gigi

[Brenda Smoak]

Great article and I have to add that when you support a local business you're also supporting your neighbors and neighborhood. I have Alchemy here in the Village of the Arts and I represent 35 artists, many of whom are local. When you purchase artwork from Alchemy you help support local artists which in turn allows them to continue to create their work.