Benefits of Shopping Local


As we reflect on the last few years, we have to acknowledge the tremendous challenges faced by businesses, both big and small, throughout our community. The holiday season is here and there is no better time than now to shop local and eat local.

While there’s no arguing that online shopping can be convenient, but what “warm and fuzzy” feeling do you get from that? We have the ability to support our community and local business owners, which will always be worth the collective time and effort. Here’s why.

You’re helping grow our community’s economy.

According to the American Independent Business Alliance (AIBA), when you shop locally, approximately 48% of the cost of your purchase is recirculated back into the local economy, compared to less than 14% of purchases at a chain store. Before you take your hard-earned dollars to a billion-dollar chain store, think about how beneficial it would be to invest them in your local economy and help support a small business owner's family.

You’re giving our community’s artists and vendors exposure.

Most often, local businesses partner with incredibly talented artists to sell their products at a storefront. So when you shop local, you give those craftspeople the exposure and funding they need to grow their business.

You’ll receive personalized service and products.

One of the biggest perks of shopping local is the personalized customer service and the unique, hand-crafted items you come across. A small business owner will go the extra mile to make their customers happy. Local businesses are owned by our friends and neighbors, they care about you, and are invested in the well-being of our community and its future.

They give back to charities in our community.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) conducted a survey and found that 75% of small business owners donate some portion of their profits — about 6% on average — to charitable organizations each year. Oftentimes, those charities are found right in our community. So every time you shop local, a portion of your dollars may also be donated to a local charity.

Now that you are equipped with some reasons as to why you should support small businesses, here are some steps on how you can support them. Here are some small, but big, ways to help support local businesses:
  • Instead of purchasing items from large, big-box stores, try to purchase things from a local small business
  • Purchase a gift or gift card at a local restaurant or business in your area and give it to a friend, family member, or co-worker.
  • Promote their business! Share and like their social media accounts or posts on your own accounts.
  • Give them a great review on Yelp, Google, or Facebook. Many times, these sites are plagued with a negative review culture where people only review a company if they have something bad to say. Go out of your way to tell these businesses why you love them!
The material provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only. Links to other web sites are provided for reference and do not constitute a referral or endorsement by Pioneer or its affiliates. Please note that such material is not updated regularly and that some of the information may not be current. It is recommended that you consult with a financial professional for assistance regarding the information contained herein.