When you shop locally, you do far more than getting the items that you want quickly and conveniently. Buying local actually stimulates the economy in our community, helps benefit local schools and charities and it even helps the environment!
As we go into the shopping season for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, make sure to remember Small Business Saturday (November 27th). Many local businesses have been hit hard with the trifecta of COVID shutdowns, supply chain issues and the rising use of Amazon and other large online retailers.
Small Business Saturday is an annual holiday that celebrates small businesses and encourages consumers to shop locally at the start of the holiday shopping season. This holiday aids small businesses by drawing attention to their importance in our economy. It also helps customers who want access to unique products and experiences in their community and local economies that benefit from successful small businesses.
Below is a few core reasons that point out the importance of shopping local:
1. You create local jobs
Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. When you shop locally, you help create jobs for teachers, firemen, police officers, and many other essential professions.
2. You help the environment
Buying from a Gainesville-owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.
3. You embrace what makes Gainesville unique
You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way?
4. You nurture our community
Our local business owners know you, and you know them. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.
5. Customer Service Is Better
Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service. You are also going to see these people around town and they are less likely to blow you off or be rude because they have to face you day after day.
Shopping local is not only about the local retail store owner - but it's about the 'trickle down' effect shopping local causes. The money goes to the shop owners but then is disbursed to local employees, local vendors, local schools, local non-profit, local government taxes, and continues to move through our area.
For a few shop local suggestions see our past article here:
5 Places to Shop Local this Holiday Season