The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Another reason to shop small and support local, today?

Will we ever learn? The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, and why “shop small and support local” should be an important part of our shopping rituals.

“Shop local” – But does it matter? Let’s enter into the real story of local businesses: the good, the bad, the ugly, and why we should shop small and support local more often.

The Good: The Shop Local Love Story

Local businesses are the heart and soul of our communities. They’re where we find unique treasures, personalized service, and a genuine connection to the people around us. Think about it: that cozy bookstore with the owner who always recommends the perfect read, the local family-run bakery that makes delicious, mouthwatering treats every single time, the quirky boutique where you find one-of-a-kind gifts, the local flower shop that’s been there for 80 years, or that local restaurant that has great food and a place for the kids to play. These businesses create character, empower community spirit, and make our towns feel like home.

Local small businesses also fuel the local economy. Studies have shown that shopping small and local keeps between 50% to 70% local whereas shopping from corporations, chains, or Amazon from 0.5% to less than 48% stays in our communities. However, if you look into the numbers it will be much less, as they are counting for the money that goes to the likes of Duke Energy and others. This recirculation creates a ripple effect, boosting local jobs, supporting schools, and strengthening the overall economic health of the area. Plus, small businesses are job-creating powerhouses, responsible for a significant portion of employment in the US, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA).

The Bad: The Chain Store Challenge

Now, let’s face the reality. National chains offer convenience, sometimes lower prices, and a consistently standard experience. They’ve become a dominant force in our economy, and it’s easy to fall into the habit of shopping at them. But here’s the rub: while they might offer some local jobs and pay some local taxes, the bulk of their profits flows out of the community. This can lead to a drain on local resources, hindering the growth of small businesses and weakening the unique character of a town. Furthermore, the expansion of chain stores can make communities feel bland and indistinguishable, losing their unique charm and individuality that made them special. Here is what Stacy Mitchell said about this exact issue in April 2000.

“Chain store proliferation has weakened local economies, eroded community character, and impoverished civic and cultural life” – Stacy Mitchell Institue for Local Self Reliance in April 2000

The Ugly: The Loss of Unique Character in our Communities

When local businesses struggle, the entire community suffers. Empty storefronts, declining property values, and a loss of community spirit can follow. It’s a vicious cycle: fewer local businesses mean fewer jobs, less tax revenue, and a less vibrant community, which in turn makes it even harder for local businesses to survive. This erosion of the local economy and community fabric impacts everyone, even those who might occasionally shop at the chains.

The Solution: Power in your pocket to shop small and support local. make a difference!

But there’s good news! We have the power to change this narrative. The solution isn’t about boycotting all chains (though being mindful is good!), but about consciously choosing to support local businesses whenever possible. It’s about recognizing the value of local: the unique products, the personalized service, the community connection. It’s about understanding that where we spend our money is a vote for the kind of community we want to live in.

The Question: Do we want to live in a community where small businesses thrive or an area that is completely covered in chain shops, and corporations with no unique character?

Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Explore your local scene: Discover the hidden gems in your community. Visit local farmers’ markets, independent bookstores, and unique boutiques.
• Think local first: Before heading to a chain store, ask yourself if you could find what you need locally.
• Spread the word: Tell your friends and family about the amazing local businesses you discover.
• Support local events: Attend local festivals, farmers’ markets, and other community events.
• Engage with local businesses: Follow them on social media, leave reviews, and show your support.
• Review small businesses more often: It takes two minutes but could make a massive difference between someone buying from a small business or playing it safe and going to a chain store they’ve been to 100 times before.

By making a choice about where we spend our money, we can revitalize our communities, support local jobs, and preserve the unique character of our towns. It’s not just about shopping locally, it’s about investing in our future. It’s about recognizing that we are the solution.