Why you should shop locally
The following ten reasons show how money spent at local businesses is re-invested in your local community, creating diversity and helping the community to maintain or create its unique appeal.
1. Shopping locally 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.
4. Shopping locally saves you money. Out-of-town shops have done a good job of convincing us that local business equals expensive. If you have to travel, fees to transfer items and your time, the overall cost is often much higher.
5. Shopping locally retains our communities.
People don't like loosing shops and services in small towns but don't equate this to how they spend their money.
6. Shopping locally 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 locally saves the environment.
Local shops often stock a high percentage of locally-sourced goods which do not require long car and bus journeys, helping to reduce our global footprint.
8. Local shops are for everyone.
Most people can get to their shops easily and this is especially important for the elderly, the young and those without transportation.
9. Local shops value you more.
Evidence from numerous surveys show tha people receive better customer care and service locally. these businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means that you get a higher standard of service.
10. Shopping locally saves service.
Private a public sector services tend to cluster around shops. As shops disappear, so do hairdressers, banks, restaurants etc.
Let's all do our bit to help out our local economy. You can make a difference by buying some local produce this week, having a meal in a local restaurant or a cup of coffee and a slice of cake in a local cafe. There's so much we can do for our community when we keep our money in it as much as possible.