The popularity of online shopping is great news for consumers, but it’s not great for small and local businesses. Shopping small and supporting local businesses produces a variety of benefits not only for the establishments you support but for your local community as well. Here’s a closer look at some of the reasons you should consider shopping small and how you can do so.
First, shopping small helps your local community. About half of the cost of your purchase recirculates into your local economy, compared to a mere 14% when you decide to shop at a chain store. (That figure reflects wages spent on employees.) While shopping at chain stores does help support jobs for local residents, the fact is that more money stays within your community when you shop with small businesses.
As previously mentioned, shopping at small businesses helps support jobs as well. You may be surprised to find those small companies are responsible for employing more than half of the workers throughout the country. When you choose small businesses, you’re helping to sustain jobs and create new ones for the people in your community.
If you’ve ever shopped at a farmer’s market, you can testify to the quality and selection you can find there. Whether you’re buying fresh produce, flowers or homemade bread, you’re bound to find a tempting variety of flavors for a fair price. Even better, you’re supporting the work of local farmers and producers, too. Eating at local restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients is another way to support job growth in your community as well.
When you shop locally, you can also show support for your art community. Local artists are more likely to offer their wares at small businesses, farmer’s markets, and other storefronts than at larger companies. When you shop at smaller retailers, you support both the business and the artists who are creating the work.
Not to be overlooked is the extraordinary customer service you’re likely to receive at smaller companies. While large companies may be able to coast on the strength of their brands, small businesses are more likely to be committed to positive customer experiences. Community shops and restaurants believe and understand that every customer matters, and they are more likely to “go the extra mile” in a way that large chain stores may not. Additionally, they are invested in their communities; three in four local businesses support charitable organizations.
For more information on how to shop small, check out the accompanying resource.
Author bio: Craig Duncan is Chief Operating Officer for House of Webster, a manufacturer of gourmet jams and jellies. He has more than 25 years of experience in the food manufacturing industry.
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p>This infographic was created by House of Webster, a contract food manufacturing company
