Here is a list of the top 10 reasons why you, specifically our local businesses, should both expect that locals use your business and why you should support your fellow businesses.
Remember, it is a two-way street. If you expect your neighbor to shop at your retail store, you need to return the favour and use their service.
Here is one of my favourite quotes from thinkshopbuylocal.com:
“Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ workers at decent wages and serve primarily local customers. It means becoming more self sufficient and less dependent on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant companies and back into the community.”
Shopping locally boosts the local economy because more of the money you spend in your local independent business stays in the community then if you shopped at a big-box store or out of town.
Shopping locally creates jobs. Small, local businesses are the largest employers nationally. When we support local shops and services, we are supporting the process of creating local jobs.
Local business support community groups. Local businesses are more likely to support local events, schools, charities and sports groups. When you shop at a local business you are in essence supporting your community.
Shopping locally supports the character of Summerland. Summerland’s friendly and authentic small town atmosphere is created by the people and the businesses. Shopping locally keeps these businesses here.
Shopping locally increases our tax base. When you support and invest your day-to-day dollar in Summerland business you are contributing to our tax base which improves the services we all benefit from. No local business means higher taxes for everyone.
Local businesses invest in Summerland. When we support local business we support the future of our community. Businesses owned by Summerland folks are less likely to leave the community and are more invested in our success.
Supporting local business encourages investment. Research shows entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities, like Summerland, which preserve and support independent and distinctive businesses.
Local business offers choices. Over the long term, successful local businesses are able to supply products based on local needs, interests and demands.
Shopping locally saves services. Private and public services tend to cluster around shops. As retail merchants disappear, so do services such as hairdressers, banks, restaurants, and other businesses.
Shopping locally saves you time and money. By not travelling to out of town shops, you are saving on fuel and time. By buying locally and what you need, rather than “deals” at a big box store, you are saving money and reducing items that will just go to the landfill.
Shopping local is a habit that we could all benefit from.
Lisa Jaager is the manager of the Summerland Chamber of Economic Development and Tourism.