Are you tired of feeling like your hard-earned money is slipping through your fingers? Do you want to know how to not only save money but also support your local businesses. In this article we are going to learn how to shop local and save local. We’ll explore the power of shopping local and how it can revolutionize your shopping habits. Get ready to enjoy personalized service and contribute to the growth of your community. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the world of local shopping!
WHY I TRY TO SHOP LOCAL
If you shop local you’re not only are you putting food on a small business owner’s table you are also building them up and giving them confidence and excitement about their product. This promotes good work ethic in people and helps them realize their God given talents. God gave us all special and unique talents which helps people feel more productive. It also allows our communities work together to support each other.
UNCOVER LOCAL PROMOTIONS: EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS RIGHT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
When you shop local at small businesses in your community it opens up a world of exclusive discounts and promotions. Unlike large retailers or online platforms that often have standardized pricing, local businesses have the flexibility to offer personalized deals and discounts tailored to their loyal customers.
By shopping local, you can uncover a range of promotions that are not available elsewhere. From special discounts for community members to exclusive sales and limited-time offers, small businesses go the extra mile to reward their local customers. These discounts can make a significant difference to your overall expenses, helping you save even more money.
Moreover, by supporting local businesses, you build relationships with the owners and employees who are invested in their community. These close connections often lead to insider knowledge about upcoming promotions and sales. Whether it’s through word-of-mouth or special promotions for loyal customers, shopping locally means you get the inside scoop on the best deals in your neighborhood.
By taking advantage of the exclusive discounts and promotions offered by small businesses, you can keep more money in your pocket while supporting your local community.
PERSONALIZED SERVICE: SMALL BUSINESSES THAT CATER TO YOUR NEEDS
When you shop local you also receive more personalized service. Here’s how:
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SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS CREATE RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOU
When you walk into a small business, you’re greeted with a warm smile and personalized attention that simply can’t be replicated by big-box retailers or online giants. Small businesses thrive on building relationships with their customers and ensuring their needs are met. Whether it’s finding the perfect gift for a loved one or getting expert advice on a particular product, small business owners and staff are dedicated to providing exceptional service.
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SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS KNOW THEIR PRODUCT AND INDUSTRY
Unlike larger corporations, small businesses have an intimate knowledge of their products and a genuine passion for what they offer. This expertise translates into personalized recommendations and tailored solutions that cater to your preferences. They take the time to understand your needs, offer customized options, and go the extra mile to make sure you’re satisfied. My husband has become friends with the local pool store owners. They not only test our water to see how to balance the pH but they also talk college football, politics or whatever is happening in the news that day. He loves going up there! There are a lot of times he walks out of there spending nothing because they are honest with him and let him know when everything is just fine.
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SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS HAVE MORE FLEXIBILITY
Additionally, small businesses often have the flexibility to adapt and accommodate special requests. They can personalize products, offer unique gift-wrapping services, or even arrange for home delivery. This level of attentiveness and customization adds a personal touch to your shopping experience, making you feel valued and appreciated as a customer.
Supporting local businesses that prioritize personalized service not only enhances your shopping experience but also strengthens the fabric of your community. Each time you choose to shop at a small business, you contribute to the local economy and help sustain job opportunities for your neighbors. And as we’ll discover in the next section, the positive impact of your shopping choices extends far beyond the walls of these businesses, creating a ripple effect of support and growth throughout the community.
SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY: THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF YOUR SHOPPING CHOICES
When you shop at a small business, the money you spend stays within the local economy. Unlike larger corporations, which often funnel their profits elsewhere, local businesses are more likely to reinvest their earnings back into the community. This means that by supporting these businesses, you are indirectly supporting other local enterprises, suppliers, and service providers.
By shopping locally, you contribute to a multiplier effect. Studies have shown that for every dollar spent at a small business, up to 67 cents stays within the community. This money then circulates among other local businesses, creating a chain of economic activity. As a result, the local economy becomes more robust and resilient, better equipped to withstand economic downturns and external pressures.
When small businesses thrive, they create job opportunities. These jobs not only provide income for individuals but also foster a sense of community and belonging. Small businesses often prioritize hiring from the local labor pool. This gives residents a chance to work close to home, reduce commute times, and have a greater work-life balance which leads to a happier and more satisfied workforce. In turn, it contributes to the overall well-being and prosperity of the community.
The impact of supporting local businesses goes beyond economic benefits. When you shop at small businesses, you are investing in the unique character and charm of your community. These businesses are often run by passionate individuals who pour their heart and soul into their work. They contribute to the cultural identity of the area and add vibrancy to the streets. Supporting them means preserving the distinctiveness of your community and ensuring its long-term vitality.
SHOP LOCAL ON VACATION
I LOVE to shop local on vacation! There’s more time to look around and shop. It’s also like bringing home a souvenir! An added bonus is when you chat with the shop owners you learn a lot about the place you’re visiting.
On March 20, 2020 we were on my dream vacation in Hawaii! It was when the COVID shut downs first started. All of our excursions were canceled but take out and local shops were still open. So while we were there we just hiked trails and walked around the shops. I would talk to the shop owners to find out what was native to the area. I bought pineapple of course! And coffee. It’s fun to really get to know an area by diving in and finding out as much as you can about what helps them thrive. I’m not a big shopper at home, except the essentials, so when I’m on vacation it’s so much fun!
SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS ONLINE
If you’re like me and shop local on vacation, you’ll find that the store owners most often have a way to continue ordering their product through their website. I was visiting a store called Artful Soap when we were on vacation in Destin, FL. I spoke with the owner and found out he uses 100% essential oils in his lotions, soaps, etc. so I bought a couple bottles. Here in Alabama the sun is quite strong. By the end of the summer I have a lot of dry skin and age spots. I’ve been looking for a lotion for years to help with this. The oils aren’t diluted so I feel like I’m getting the most bang for my buck. The lotions have produced great results! Now every fall I buy a couple bottles online to help get my skin back in shape after a rough summer.
Did you also know that we also have some handmade crocheted and knitted items along with on our site? We also have downloadable PDF’s with Homeschool Checklists, Housekeeping Action Items and many others! Go on over to our Product Gallery and see.
EAT LOCAL
Do you like to eat out? I do! It’s one less meal I have to cook and clean up after. When my husband treats me to dinner out or when we are on vacation I really like to go to a local restaurant. I feel strongly about supporting local business owners plus you get great service! Also, do them a favor and tag the establishment on Facebook or other social media. It helps promote the business owners and it helps your friends find a good place to eat without all the research!
If you have any other ideas on how to eat or shop locally please share your ideas in the comments below. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of how Naomi returns to her homeland after the death of her husband and two sons. She brings along her daughter-in-law Ruth. Upon their return one of the local businessmen; and also a relative, Boaz, takes it upon himself to make sure Naomi and Ruth are cared for. Not only does Boaz make sure the community cares for these women, he and Ruth end up married!
Ruth 2:1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Emimelk, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.”
When a community comes together they create amazing results.
Be blessed and a blessing in your community,
Stacia
Leah says
I love Artful Soap’s glycerin soap as well! Also, the coffee lotion worked really well for sun poisoning.