Why Shopping Local is Essential for Building Strong, Sustainable Communities

Shopping local is more important than ever before. It's not just about supporting small mom-and-pop businesses, but it's about investing in the community and helping to create a sustainable future for everyone. When you shop locally, you're not just buying products and services, you're supporting the people and families who live and work in your community. In this article, we will talk about why shopping local is so important. We will also sprinkle in some quotes from local business owners and managers in their own words about this importance as well.

"If you shop local, you improve the lives of those who own local businesses. They made a gamble to open and they support services with local tax revenue. You are helping to buy school clothes and to put food on tables of those who rely on your shopping with them. You are not helping to pay for a third house for a CEO of someone you will never see." Rad Dodson - ESPN The Ticket & WVRV The River

At Tommy House Studios we feel that one of the main reasons why shopping local is so important is because it helps to keep money within the community. When you shop at a big box store or online retailer, a large percentage of the money you spend goes towards paying for corporate overhead and profits. But when you shop at a local business, more of the money you spend goes towards supporting the people who live and work in your community. This helps to create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and improve the overall quality of life for everyone.

"With a local business, you are more than just a customer. You are a neighbor, our friend. At Delta, we know many of our customers by name and enjoy talking to them when our paths cross at the Piggly Wiggly or at church. We ask about the family. When we say “how’ve you been?” we mean it. I have several customers who have watched my son, watched me, grow up over the past 40+ years. They are why I love my job. When you choose to shop local, you are making a statement that your community matters. You recognize that local businesses are invested in the community through hiring local employees, paying local taxes and providing support to local schools and organizations. Youth sports and dance recitals cannot rely on big box stores to buy sponsorships or ads in their programs. If there is a problem, you can speak to a real person, instead of dealing with a chatbot or someone across the globe. Price is always a factor when making a purchase, but the value added from shopping locally is immeasurable.” - DeAnn Savage - Delta Printing & Sign

Another important aspect of shopping local is that it helps to create a sense of community. When you shop at a big box store, you're just another customer in a sea of people. But when you shop at a local business, you're likely to interact with the owner or employees, and they're likely to remember you. This creates a sense of connection and belonging that can't be found at a big box store.

In addition to shopping local, it's also important to attend local sporting events, donate at carwash fundraisers, and help promote local small business owners that care and give back to the community. These activities help to support local organizations and events, which in turn helps to create a stronger and more vibrant community.

It's easy to be tempted by the convenience of shopping at a big box store or online retailer, but it's important to remember that convenience comes at a cost. The cost of convenience is often the local economy and community. When we shop locally, we're investing in the community and helping to create a sustainable future for everyone.

In conclusion, shopping local is more important than ever before. It's not just about supporting small mom-and-pop businesses, but it's about investing in the community and helping to create a sustainable future for everyone. When you shop locally, you're supporting the people and families who live and work in your community, helping to keep money within the community, creating a sense of community, and supporting local organizations and events. So next time you're tempted to shop at a big box store or online retailer, remember the importance of shopping local and the positive impact it can have on your community.

Need help marketing your local small business? Tommy House Studios, is a small business as well! We have many affordable tools to help you in the digital space. Contact us today to learn more and how we can help!