October 30, 2025
The Benefits of Shopping Local
In today’s ease of convenience, it’s easy to hop online to purchase this, that, or the other. It’s something I find myself doing for certain items rather than calling around or making an effort to step into a store. Growing up in a small business, it was impressed upon me to try to find whatever it is I need locally and then move onto other resources as a later resort. The benefits of shopping local far outweigh the benefits of shopping online, and I’ll share some of those with you. Personally, I will opt for local over anything else most of the time because I see the economic benefits it has on my life and the lives and businesses of others. Shopping local is not solely focused around money, either. I'll share my thoughts around shopping local and the importance of supporting your local community.
Benefits of Shopping Local
Having worked in a small business most of my life, whether my dad's store or my own businesses, I've realized the importance of it from many aspects. I'm noticing more and more that people are craving community, community events, and purpose in their shopping, as online ordering doesn't give that whatsoever. Yes, it's convenient and sometimes the only way you can get what you need, but it's also devoid of effort. When I worked in my dad's brick and mortar store, I made big efforts to bring people together, recognizing important days like Small Business Saturday and Neighborhood Toy Store Day (because he owns a toy store). People genuinely love to support local businesses and knowing their money is spent at a locally owned and operated establishment. Shopping small is ingrained in my DNA, and I'm going to help you understand why it's so worth the effort.
Alice & Amelia - One of My Favorite Local Stores
You Build a Strong Community
There are times when I want some touch points with other humans in my day (as I work from home), and that happens when I get out of my house and into spaces where locals are providing products and services. My very favorite place to go is the farmers market. Not only do I get amazing food, but I am also interacting with the fun and interesting folks who get me the freshest and most delicious foods available. The benefits of shopping local don’t end at the farmers market, though. I’ve found some awesome second hand apparel stores where I’ve bought beautiful and lightly used items to wear. One of my favorite people owns a lovely curated store in New Orleans that I love to introduce to new people to when they move here or visit. In these interactions and commitment to shopping local, I am building personal relationships that run very deep. The great conversations I have with shop owners, the places they recommend, would never happen if I didn’t go to them and spend my money. The community building is one of the biggest reasons I shop local. I 10/10 recommend!
Notecard from The Flower Collection Set
The Products or Experiences are Unique
When I go to art markets, craft markets, food markets, local gift shops, or anything of that nature, I am always pleasantly surprised. The creativity that surrounds us is exceptional, and discovering it is one of the many benefits of shopping local. I always think about host or hostess gifts, birthday presents, holiday thoughts when I am out and about. Picking up something very unique and special for someone that you care about means so much more than grabbing a bottle of alcohol from a store and taking it to them or getting a generic item from a big box store. My own notecard sets are a great example of a ready-to-go gift that can be used for so many people. I’ve picked up cool candles at the farmers market and pieces of jewelry I know someone would love, plus numerous unique items made by local people. Not only are you supporting your community, you are showing those around you that you are really thinking about them. It goes back to my first point, which is building a strong community.
My New Favorite Mug from a Local Pottery Maker
Your Local Economy Thrives
There is almost no benefit to your local economy by shopping online only. Sure, it’s convenient to you, but it isn’t worth anything for your local economy. We or someone we know work in the local community in some capacity, even if it’s volunteering. There are requests we make of local businesses to support kids’ little league teams or doing giveaways at charity functions. If the people attending are not supporting local, how can we expect the local businesses to support us? The benefits of shopping local are apparent in the vitality of the local community. Everyone wants to live in a place that is thriving on an economic, socioeconomic, and emotional level. That is all much more attainable when we commit to buying from our local people. As a small business owner of two businesses, I am very aware of the effects different purchases have on my life. And the bigger each of our businesses get, the more people we can put back into our community. That is a trickle-down effect that is nothing but positive.
A Local Vintage Store Where I Live
Less Negative Environmental Impact
When you pop over to your local clothing store and purchase from them, you are reducing the amount of carbon footprint that it takes to get your shirt from, say, Cincinnati, OH to New Orleans, LA. When we talk about the benefits of shopping local, it also encompasses our globe. Trust me, I love shopping for clothes online. But when I do, I try to shop on places like Poshmark where regular people like myself are selling items that they no longer want. In a way, it’s a bit like shopping local. Not completely, but it’s better than shopping on a random website for your latest cat t-shirt that was made by underage children. Resist the urge to hit “purchase” and consider the bigger picture, which are our future generations and the environment we are leaving them. I don’t have kids, but I sure don’t want to be responsible for being irresponsible with our beautiful planet. We’re all affected, and it’s important that we know that.
Night Out Supporting Local Businesses
Economic Stability
The stability of our local economies is huge. When there are more jobs, less crime, stress, mental anguish over money, everyone prospers. The benefits of shopping local helps our local people put money back into the community in a big way. For every $100 spent locally, $60-70 stays in the community, versus about $15 when spent at a national chain or online. One of my friends who owns a store also started a rescue organization for animals, where she raises money and distributes it to local rescues. She has helped many independent rescues work more cohesively together, showing them that monetary resources can be more abundant and available to each. That is good for everyone. In my real estate business, I give a percentage of my commissions to local charities each year. It’s a joy to be able to give back to my local economy. This is what helps the local economy go around, and you don’t get that from shopping at large corporations with no real local interest. Let’s help our local economies out by committing to them. They commit to us.
Shopping Local in Paris with Messy Nessy. Check out her social media here.
Customer Service is Far Better
In my experience, local stores always outshine large ones in customer service. When you walk in, you’re greeted warmly and helped right away. Someone is always available to guide you and answer your questions. Even returns feel simple and stress-free compared to big chains. When my local hardware store closed, I was devastated. Shopping at big stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s felt overwhelming. Finding help there is almost impossible, and it leaves me frustrated. Now, I avoid places that lack good manners or genuine care. We all want to feel seen, heard, and valued when we shop. That’s one of the biggest benefits of shopping local. Local owners are more attentive and ready to lend a hand. Not always, but more often than not, they go the extra mile. Customer service matters, and small businesses deliver it best.
Commit to Shopping Local
The great thing is that it’s never too late to start or add to your local business shopping list. Patronizing spots that you love is a wonderful way to brighten your own day and the days of the shop owners. The benefits of shopping local are so immense, and you should know that you do make a big impact with each small purchase you make. Take it from a small business owner, nothing is ever too small or unappreciated. Your direct impact is celebrated and delighted in, and it helps you as well. Whether it’s because it brings a smile to your own face or whether it’s because your economy is that much more stable, you and your support matters. Be a proud local shopper and see how your life and the lives of those around you improve. For some resources in your area, check the American Independent Business Alliance for local businesses.
If you liked this blog, you might also like the one I wrote about the responsibilities of a business owner.
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