Why Should You Support Local Businesses in Your Community?
When you buy from a small, local business, most of your money stays in the community. That’s good for everyone. Local businesses are a big part of what makes Dunkirk special. We have everything from bookstores to ice cream shops to clothing stores to jewelry stores. When you buy from a large, national chain store, much of your money goes to pay for things like CEO salaries, shareholder dividends, and corporate profits. But when you buy from a small, local business, most of your money stays right here in Dunkirk. That’s good for our community and our local economy.
What are the benefits of supporting local businesses?
When you shop at a local business, you’re not only helping to keep money within the community; you’re also investing in the future of your community. The dollars that you spend will support entrepreneurs, help pay local taxes and other fees, and help small businesses grow and expand. Local businesses tend to generate a higher percentage of their revenue from within the local community, so your purchase is a direct investment in the people, businesses, and civic organizations in Dunkirk.
Your purchases help to create jobs and economic opportunities within the local economy. In addition, shopping local helps to keep the character of the community unique, as local businesses tend to be more culturally reflective than big-box stores. Local businesses are also generally more active in the community than larger organizations; they often host events, sponsor sports teams, or sponsor local charities or causes. In other words, when you shop local, your dollars not only create economic benefits; they also help to strengthen the social and cultural fabric of your community.
How can you support local businesses in your community?
There are plenty of ways to show your support for local businesses. One of the most direct ways to support them is by choosing to shop at those businesses. Taking the time to explore local shops and purchase items from them instead of big-box retailers can make a huge difference in the success of a business. Another easy way to show your support is by leaving reviews of the businesses where you shop. Online reviews are an essential way for small businesses to get their name out there and attract more customers. Similarly, word of mouth makes a big difference, so don’t hesitate to tell your friends, family, and colleagues about a great experience you had at a local shop or restaurant. Finally, you can show your support by engaging with local businesses on social media. Following them on Facebook and Instagram, liking their posts, and sharing your positive experiences with others is a great way to spread the word about the great businesses in your community.
Why is it important to shop local?
When you buy from a small, locally owned business rather than a large corporation, your money goes much farther. Studies have shown that when you buy items from a locally owned business, as much as three times more money is recirculated within the local economy. These dollars then get reinvested in future local businesses, creating a larger community economy. In addition, when you support local businesses, you help protect the unique character of your community. Locally owned businesses often have distinct identities, doing things their own way—creating their own unique products, furnishing more individualized customer service, and becoming an integral part of the fabric of your community. Shopping local also helps preserve civic pride, as it’s essential for our communities to have something that sets them apart.
What are the difficulties that local businesses face?
One of the biggest challenges faced by local businesses is the competition from big box stores and online retailers. Large companies often offer lower prices due to their larger economies of scale, resulting in local businesses competing on price rather than quality or customer service. It can also be hard for them to compete with the convenience and wide selection of online retailers. In addition, local businesses often have trouble getting the financial backing needed to expand or grow, making it more difficult for them to compete. Finally, local businesses also have to work hard to build their brand and customer base as they tend to lack the marketing budgets of larger companies.
How Can You Make a Difference by Supporting Local Businesses?
The simple act of shopping local can make all the difference in the success of a local business. When you purchase something from a small, locally owned business, you help bring money into their local economy and show your support for their unique, independent business model. In addition, you can encourage your friends and family to shop local, encourage other businesses in the area to buy locally, and make sure to spread the word about the great local businesses that you’ve had good experiences with. You can also get involved with local organizations like chambers of commerce or business associations to further support local businesses.
Wrapping things up:
When you choose to shop local, you’re supporting a business, a community, and a unique local identity. There are countless benefits to shopping local, from supporting job growth and economic development in the community to preserving the unique character and culture of your town. We all have a part to play in supporting local businesses, but the rewards are immeasurable. Every local business is a small piece of the puzzle that creates the bigger picture of our community and our economy. Let’s do our part to keep that puzzle intact.
