10 Important Reasons to Shop Local

The latest buzz in recent years, in the face of our country's economic woes on many fronts, is how important it is to shop locally whenever possible. Personally, I couldn't agree more. In fact, eight years ago, when I opened Creative Genius Art Gallery & Studio, it was because I believed in shopping locally and wanted to create a store that I would want to shop in, located in the town I lived in.

There are so many varied reasons, depending upon who you speak to, as to why shopping local is better for everyone and for the local community and economy. Just visit www.the350project.com if you aren't quite sure about the details and the statistics related to shopping locally. It is all quite an education and one I think we all need, even if it is just  refresher course for some of us. Right now the downtown suburban Main Street on which Creative Genius resides is dangerously in need of more local shops and places to visit and it is scary how quickly a small area can go from a thriving business district to a not-so-thriving business district. The lesson is that it is all of our responsibilities to support the local economy.


I came across this interesting list of "10 Important Reasons to Shop Local" and figured it would be worth it to share it. Thank you to www.10slate.com for the interesting article (and if you want to visit it for yourself, I've included a link)....

A person who shops locally, often known as a “locavore,” helps to sustain not only the environment, but also the economy. Buying locally not only supports your community but also reduces the amount of carbon emissions and pollution because goods do not need to be transported across wide areas and consumers do not need to travel as far to obtain their items. Consider becoming a locavore. As a conscious consumer you will live a more sustainable life and help your community grow. 

1) Local Economy

Your own neighborhood will benefit when you choose to shop locally. Local small business owners tend to keep more money in the community than nationally owned businesses. They also tend to source from other local business, services, and farms, continuing the local trend.

2) Job Growth

Local businesses provide local jobs. This has a chain reaction effect on sustainability and economy. When people are employed, they have more money to invest in the community. They will not have to commute to far away jobs, thus reducing pollution. 

3) Community Support

Local businesses invest heavily in the community. They are more likely to support charitable organizations. When you shop locally, you are helping to support your community through your purchasing power.

4) Better Service

If a small business or farm is trying to earn and maintain your business, chances are they will treat you really well. What is the motivation for a big-box store to make you happy, when millions of other shoppers will replace your business should you choose to shop somewhere else?

5) Environmental Impact

Aside from your food transportation causing pollution, when you have to drive across town to run errands, you are polluting the earth. If your local area has a diverse array of businesses that you can walk or bike to, imagine the potential positive environmental impact. Go green! By supporting these businesses, you will help maintain a thriving local community for everyone.

6) Maintain Diversity

Part of the charm of local businesses is the diversity and uniqueness that it provides to a neighborhood. Big chain stores have taken this away and Main St. America has started to die. Bringing back community supported businesses restores this charm and diversity to neighborhoods and cities.

7) Save Money

Shopping locally can save you a lot of money and time. Gas is expensive, and so is repairing and maintaining a car. Plus, you are more likely to get in an accident in crowded Saturday morning traffic than if you stroll to your neighborhood downtown area. 

8) Know your products

Local businesses are providers of services are experts. Do you remember the last time you walked into that large store looking for expertise? Did you find it? What about when you asked your grocery store produce person when something was in season or if it was fresh. Local providers tend to be able to answer these questions more successfully than the big box people.

9) Competition

There is nothing worse than a monopoly coming into town, driving up prices and diminishing customer service. Local businesses keep competition higher in order to ensure the best prices and highest quality service. Your dollars mean a lot more to a small business than a large store. You can vote with your dollars when you shop locally.

10) Entrepreneurs

Store owners are living the American dream, and by supporting them, you are helping to keep the dream alive, and to maintain a strong and thriving middle class in your community. 

The best lesson from this article: Be a locavore!

To visit this article on the web, got to 

http://www.10slate.com/2011/03/10-important-reasons-to-shop-local/