Sometimes buying online may be the easy choice. We live in an Amazon world as you know, and the Covid pandemic has changed the way a lot of consumers think and shop. You can find just about anything online, and they ship it right to your door (sometimes overnight).  

 

It may not seem like it, but really taking a little extra time to shop local and support small business has a greater impact on your local community. Small business professionals are generally innovative entrepreneurs in their own right. You have to be, to be able to build a business and stand out from your competition. You’ll find that the local businesses in your community are confident, resilient, some of the biggest drivers of change in town and their owners are some of the best creative problem solvers you’ll find around.

 

So forget the 43 reasons that Forbes gives you to shop small, we’ve narrowed the below list to our FIVE favorite reasons to shop & eat local

 

1. Local businesses are personable. You know who you’re working with because local businesses are more relationship-driven. Remember that when you work with local small businesses, all purchases and positive experiences matter to them.

 

2. Small business owners are the epidemy of people living the American Dream. In shopping small you also support the American Dream, supporting real people who are living out their passions and believe in the work they are doing.

 

3. By buying locally, your tax dollars go back into the community to support local government, parks, roads, and schools. Additionally, local businesses on average return three times more money back to the community than chain stores do.

 

4. Locally owned businesses help to build a stronger community, creating social and economic relationships. They also play a significant role in the community, supporting and contributing to local groups and non-profits. In fact, small businesses give back to the community, including 250% more donations and support to local causes, youth organizations, and service groups.

 

5. If it wasn’t already a given…local businesses create more jobs in our community. In fact, more than 65% of all new jobs come from small local businesses. So, the more business you do locally, the more jobs you help support your friends, family, and neighbors.

 

So, there is our top list of reasons why supporting local is great for our community and why everyone should take more time to do a little local shopping this weekend.

 

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The holidays are right around the corner and the perfect time to market your business to your community and employees with branded apparel and giveaways. Need help thinking of ideas for your holiday giveaways? Drop us an email at contact@pigdesigns.com, we would love to help.