I'm pretty passionate about shopping locally. Sure, I do go to the big-box stores for some things that just can't be found elsewhere, but nothing beats finding an original item at a local merchant, whom you probably know by name. Want some reasons to shop locally? Here they are:
1. Local Economy - This is sort of a no-brainer. Local businesses tend to recycle their money back into the local economy more so than the chain stores.
2. Sense of Strong Community - When everyone starts to know each other and trust each other in business transactions, there is a trickle-down effect that strengthens the community and support of local causes.
3. Jobs and Wages - Local businesses are going to hire local citizens, and usually are able to provide better wages and benefits than the larger chains.
4. Local Character - Communities that have a thriving small business sector have a charm to them that is second to none.
5. Entrepreneurship - This serves as a great way for people to move up in the world, and take charge of their own lives.
6. Use of Public Facilities - Local businesses make better use of the facilities already established in the community, rather than the chain stores that demolish charming buildings and put up modern facilities that will probably be torn down or changed just a few years down the road.
7. Environmental Impact - Local businesses rely on local resources more often than chain stores, cutting down on emissions and habitat loss.
8. Competition - Small businesses are the nucleus of what makes the economy thrive. It promotes innovation and a determination to always do the best job possible.
9. Product Diversity - Businesses that rely on their own thoughts and desires, as well as their community's needs, are more likely to think "outside the box" when developing new products, while big-box stores rely heavily on sales plans and projections, with no human element involved.
10. Community Decisions - Local Business Owners have a strong say in the direction of the Community. Supporting them will help them to drive the community to success.
