Shopping Cart There are several reasons why shopping locally can positively impact your community. We often hear the phrase “shop local,” but do we truly understand the impact it can have on our communities? In today’s fast-paced world, we can easily find ourselves getting caught up in the convenience of online shopping and chain stores – but this often means sacrificing the benefits that small, local businesses offer. Continue reading to learn why you should shop locally owned, independent businesses and stay ‘til the end for a chance to participate in our survey.
1. Strengthen & Invest in Your Local Community
Did you know that the money you spend in locally owned stores has two to three times the economic impact of dollars spent at national retailers? According to a recent study conducted by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR), three times as much money stays in the local economy when consumers buy goods and services from locally owned businesses compared to chain stores (bookweb.org). You’re not just helping your neighbor’s business succeed; you will see greater benefits in your local community.
2. Support Community Groups
Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses. Small businesses play a big part in supporting community causes and charities. When you shop locally, you’re helping these businesses to continue giving their support.
One way that Porter’s strives to give back is by working with the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Did you know nearly half the wishes granted in Idaho are from Southeast Idaho – Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Rexburg, etc. But only 3-4% of the funding comes from that part of the state! We are always looking for ways to give back to our community, which is why Porter’s Office Products is proud to sponsor the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Click here to learn more.
3. Create More Quality Jobs
When you support your communities’ businesses, you enable them to grow, thus creating more jobs and helping the local economy thrive. Local businesses are the backbone of our community and create job opportunities for our friends, family, and neighbors.
4. Get Better, More Personalized Service
Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers. They look to build relationships not just make a quick transaction, creating a sense of community.
Here at Porter’s, we pride ourselves in providing Blue Cow Service. That consists of extraordinary, personalized customer service, just for you! Blue cows are rare, never before seen, and unique, just like Porter’s. That way even if a customer orders something outrageous like a blue cow, we will sit down and think outside of the box to meet your needs.
5. Put Taxes to Good Use
When you spend your money at local retailers, approximately $68 of every $100 spent will be reinvested into your community. That money will go toward better schools, libraries, and parks—in your own neighborhood.
6. Competition Leads to Lower Prices & More Choices
A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. Sometimes prices at local businesses are better because they don’t have the overhead that larger stores may have, and they may be more willing to negotiate to meet your price needs. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.
7. Better Quality Product
Local businesses often pride themselves on offering high quality, handmade, or one-of-a-kind products that you won’t find at a chain store. In many cases, these businesses have a specialized focus and have honed their craft to perfection.
Overall, shopping locally is not just about making a purchase; it’s about investing in the well-being and vitality of your community. How do you feel about shopping locally? Please fill out the survey below to let us know your shopping preferences.
Resources:
What Is Blue Cow Service – Porters Office Products (portersop.com)
Top 10 Reasons to Shop Local – Shop Local Raleigh
15 Reasons to Shop Locally – MetroFamily Magazine
8 Reasons to Shop Local on Small Business Saturday | Hope Credit Union (hopecu.org)
