Why shop locally facts

Small-scale, locally owned businesses create communities that are more prosperous , connected , and generally better-off across a wide range of metrics. Residents of neighborhoods with more local businesses log 26 percent less automobile miles.

Locally owned businesses make more local purchases — requiring less transportation — and set up shop in town or city centers which generally means less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution.

One-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinct character of our place. But when your local shopping district is filled with local retailers, you create a sense of self-image that helps define our community.

Our unique businesses are something to be proud of, and when we all support them, they create a reason for other shoppers to come visit our community. By supporting local businesses, we can also help entrepreneurship thrive, which adds to local prosperity and innovation.

Every local retailer is one of our neighbors who has taken a risk to try to make our region a better, stronger place, boosting the economy and helping lift friends and neighbors into the middle class. When we all look for ways to buy local, we tell all our neighbors that we believe our community is worth investing in. We put our money into things we care about, including our local schools, and we enjoy a better purchasing experience overall personally. Shopping and buying locally is a win-win for you, for small businesses, and for our community as a whole.

Consider doing your part and buy local, shop local and support local by purchasing a Gift Local gift card. When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the local tax base. Non Profits Receive Greater Support. Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners.

The unique character of your local community is defined in large part by the business that reside there, and that plays a big factor in your overall satisfaction with where you live and the value of you home and property.

The more interesting and unique you community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests. This benefits everyone! To improve your search results please allow your browser to detect your location.

You create local jobs Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. You help the environment Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging. You nurture community Local business owners know you, and you know them.