Did you know – when you shop locally, more of your money stays close to home supporting the parks, recreation centers, libraries, police & fire departments and so much more? More money spent at local businesses is reinvested in your community creating diversity and helping the community maintain or create its unique appeal. It also helps your friends and neighbors who have struggled through some tough economic times and kept their doors open to serve you.
Here are 11 reasons for you to consider keeping your money close to home this holiday season.
1. Shopping local creates jobs.
Shops in our town create local employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local community.
2. Local independent shops invest more in our communities.
Local businesses are proportionately more generous in their support of local charities, schools and community events. Supporting local shops means a financial impact on your community.
3. Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices.
Many people fall out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products and gifts available. The old days of driving to Escondido or Riverside for unique affordable products is long gone. Explore the Valley.
4. Shopping local saves you money.
Out of town shops have done a good job of convincing us that local business equals expensive. If you add travel, fees to transfer items and your time, the overall cost is often much higher.
5. Shopping local retains our communities.
People don’t like losing shops and services in small towns but don’t equate this to how they spend their money. Surprised to see another business close their doors? Did you ever stop in to try their service?
6. Shopping local retains our distinctiveness.
Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Local businesses respond quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs.
7. Shopping local saves the environment.
Local shops often stock a high percentage of local sourced goods which do not require long car and bus journeys, no truck or train or air delivery, helping reduce our global footprint.
8. Local shops are for everyone.
Most people can get to their local shops easily. This is especially important for the elderly and young generations and those without transportation.
9. Local shops value you more.
Evidence from numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service.
10. Shopping local saves services.
Private and public sector services tend to cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, banks, restaurants, etc.
11. Shopping local keeps our cities in business too.
Every dollar you spend out of town takes tax dollars away from your city. This means your city either has to reduce services like fire and police protection, or street maintenance, or sports and recreation programs or staff to answer your questions, OR they have to raise taxes and fees in other areas – areas which provide no benefit to you.
Shop smart this holiday season. Help your neighbors, help your community and help yourself. Shop local.
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