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. 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 impact it has on different areas of my life and the lives of others. It’s not all revolving around money, either. Here are my thoughts around shopping local and supporting your local community.

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, and that happens when I get out of my house and into spaces where locals are selling things. My very favorite place to go is the farmers market. Not only am I getting amazing food, but I am also interacting with the fun and interesting folks who bust their butts to 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 abounds 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. 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 unique candles at the farmers market, pieces of jewelry I know someone would love. 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. Shopping local is a winning strategy all around.

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 mud 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 business 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 hire. That is a trickle-down effect that is nothing but positive.

Consignment Store I Found in Portland, ME

Less Negative Environmental Impact

When you pop over to your local clothing store and purchase from them, you are reducing the amount of fuel 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 some website for the 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.

My Favorite Rescue, Tater Tot

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. 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. Where before they were all somewhat competing for money, she has helped them 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 allocate a percentage of my commissions to go 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

Customer Service is Far Better

In my experience with local versus large stores, the customer service has always outshine in the local stores. Whether it’s walking in and being greeted, finding someone who can actually help you find what you need, or returning something, the experience has always been better at small businesses for me. I remember when my local hardware store closed I was devastated. Knowing I had to go to the larger stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s was stressful to me. Trying to find anyone to help is a borderline joke, and I rarely come out feeling satisfied with my shopping experience. At this point in my life, I try to avoid places and people that don’t have excellent decorum. We are all looking to be seen, heard, and validated, which is one of the benefits of shopping local. You will typically find them to be more attentive and willing to help. Not always, but more often than not. Customer service is key, and you will be much better able to find that at small businesses.

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.

Subscribe here to my delightful bi-weekly (that's twice per month) newsletter and stay in the know.

Some of the links go to my affiliate account. If you purchase from one, you're helping me grow and support me and my business. Thank you!