Compelling Reasons to Support Local Business Owners
It’s easy to buy online from Amazon with just a couple of clicks. But do you know where those products are coming from or who they are supporting? In all likelihood, your dollars are leaving your community and going to some faceless international corporation. In an era of social consumerism, shoppers are more conscious than ever of the impact of their dollars. One of the easiest and best ways to ensure your dollars are well-spent is to shop from local business owners in your own community.
To Grow and Strengthen Your Local Economy
The overriding reason why it’s essential to support local business owners is that it enables you to help grow and strengthen your local economy. It’s simple math. According to the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), $68 out of every $100 spent at a local business will remain within the community.
This is because local business owners are far more likely than big box store owners to distribute their revenue among other local businesses. For example, a local business owner may rely on a locally owned bank and service providers, like landscapers and janitorial companies. Similarly, local restaurant owners are more likely to purchase locally produced ingredients.
To Create Jobs Within Your Community
Local job creation is top of mind for many Americans, and one of the best ways to support it is to shop local. Local business owners can employ your friends, relatives, and neighbors. In fact, independent retailers create 57 jobs for every $10 million in sales. In contrast, that same amount of sales at Amazon creates just 14 jobs—in other communities.
To Receive Outstanding Customer Service
By and large, local business owners greatly value every one of their customers. They take the time to get to know the names of their regulars, and their likes and dislikes. It’s because local owners and their employees understand that they rely on their customers’ patronage. As a result, you can receive the world-class customer service that you’d be hard-pressed to find at a big box store or major e-commerce store.
To Choose From a Diverse Product Selection
National chain stores curate their inventory according to the demands of the entire nation—not your local community. When you shop local, chances are you’ll find something that you can’t find online or at a big box store. You can enjoy that feeling of finding a one-of-a-kind item that you’ll treasure for many years to come. A diverse product selection is even more important when you’re shopping for a gift for that special someone.
At Tucson Association of Executives (TAE), we’re working to grow the local economy by helping local business owners flourish here in Southern Arizona. We strongly encourage you to patronize our local businesses. If you are a local business owner, consider joining our business leads organization to scale your company while building lasting connections.
