The Benefits of Shopping Local

Many consumers have begun making the move away from large, impersonal retailers to supporting small scale, locally made products from farmers, craftsmen, artisans, and others in their own cities and towns. The benefits of this are many. Buying fresh, local foods such as eggs, meats, fruits and vegetables, and honey have numerous health benefits for our families, including our pets. There is great comfort in knowing where your food comes from and how it is grown or raised.

Local businesses give a community its uniqueness. One-of-a-kind restaurants and shops provide the difference that many consumers are seeking from the familiar and similar chain stores found everywhere else. A more personalized experience happens when the business owners know their customers. Access to unique products, special requests, and better customer service are some of the perks of buying local.

Studies show that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remains in the community compared to $43 of each $100 spent at a chain retailer. Local business owners improve the local economy by supporting other local businesses for both business and personal purchases, whereas chain businesses tend to get their supplies outside of the area.

Take advantage of the talent, expertise, quality, and convenience of shopping local and supporting small, independent businesses.