You’ve been meaning to do it for years, but your efforts to divest from big chains to local stores just haven’t gained traction. Now, things are different. You know it’s time to divest from major retailers and put your money into the local economy. It’s the right thing to do ethically, morally, and socially. You also know that this isn’t an easy task. If it was, you would have taken the leap already. No worries, that’s what this article is for.
The Benefits of Supporting Local Businesses
If you’re on the fence, consider these benefits of supporting locally owned businesses:
- You keep money in the community boosting the local economy
- Help create jobs and improve local wages
- Encourage and support local entrepreneurs and innovators
- Build a stronger community and relationships with your neighbors
- Contribute to improving neighborhood culture and character
- Support individuals offering unique products and personalized services
- Reduce carbon footprint caused by reducing shipping and transportation
- Encourage ethical and sustainable practices
- Help make locally sourced and produced products more available
Creates a Unique Opportunity to Support Minority-Owned Businesses
Any support of local businesses is a good thing, but you may find that you are in a position to support businesses owned by ethnic or racial minorities, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and the disabled. By doing this you promote economic equity and help reduce the wealth gap. You also help create a market where diverse products and cultural representation thrive. Your patronizing these businesses strengthens underrepresented communities. You also set a stage for future business owners by challenging systemic barriers.
Practical Ways to Support Local Businesses
How do you get started? Here are practical ways to start supporting local businesses right now.
Go to Local Shops First
Most of us are creatures of habit. You leave home and head to the local big box store to get what you need. If you can break this habit, you are halfway to your goal. Make it a point to hit up your local merchants first. Do this when you have money and energy. That way you are prioritizing local. Then, fill in the gaps at the chain stores if you must.
Get Fresh Produce as Close to Home as Possible
Get more nutrients and fiber into your diet and enjoy fresher food by purchasing produce that was grown locally. You can do this by shopping local farmers markets, going to locally owned grocery stores, and buying a CSA subscription. If you live in or near a rural area, reach out to local farms for eggs and freezer meat too!
Skip The Chains And Eat at Local Restaurants
Feeling hungry? Maybe that local cafe or diner is a better choice than a fast-casual chain. Even better if you can enjoy meals at locally owned ethnic restaurants. These are a great option for Latin singles and others to enjoy a meal and share their culture.
Contact Local Service Providers First
You need a car repair, a new roof, or a drain unclogged. The nationally owned service providers have sunk thousands of dollars into advertising and marketing campaigns while the local services have to work with a shoestring budget. This means you have to work a bit harder to find them, but it’s worthwhile. You not only support a local entrepreneur, you also develop a relationship with someone to help you with your future service needs.
Keep in mind that this goes beyond repair providers. You can work with local companies to meet a variety of needs such as personal training, music lessons for your kids, and more.
Engage With Local Businesses on Social Media
Here’s something you can do that is absolutely free. Engage with local businesses on Facebook and other social media pages. Follow them. Like and share the content they post. If you have been a customer, leave a positive review on Google, Facebook, Yelp, and other community pages.
Get Out to Local Events
Does your community host a buy local day, holiday shopping bazaar, or other special events? Do your local merchants have booths at community events or markets? Find out when and where these events are happening, and make an appearance!
Be an Advocate For Local Businesses
Is the place you live a friendly, welcoming ecosystem where locally owned companies can thrive, or do local policies enable major chains to overrun those businesses and leave consumers with no choice?
Take action. Be vocal about your support for local businesses. Question your city council, mayor, and other power brokers where you live about the lack of opportunities for local business growth. Demand that the same incentives offered to national companies are also made available to local business owners.
Roadblocks to Supporting Local Business
It isn’t always easy to stick with your commitment to shop locally. Here are some of the challenges you might experience.
Prices May be Higher Compared to Major Retailers
Major retailers have greater buying power and can negotiate lower prices. That means lower prices in many cases, but how they get to that point is ethically questionable. These lower prices are often achieved by using strong arm tactics against manufacturers and ensuring workers are paid less.
How to Get Past That
Start by balancing lower price with overall value to the community. It can be worth doing the right thing. You can also make a commitment in your budget for local spending. Even spending ten to twenty percent more of your shopping budget is a great start.
To get even more out of your local shopping, look for local sales. Then ask local store personnel about loyalty or rewards programrs.
LImited Product Selection
When you start shopping locally, you may find that you don’t have a huge selection. Local businesses may only be able to work with some vendors. They may also choose to support local and private brands.
How to Get Past That
Be flexible. Try new products, and plan around the available things you find locally. Also, understand that choice is often an illusion. For example, many products are made in the same manufacturing plants, they just have different labels.
Not Knowing Your Local Options
What if you don’t know which local businesses exist in your community. There are ways you can get in the know!
How to Get Past That
Start by joining local social media groups with a focus on local businesses and community groups. Use your city website to find locally owned companies.
You can also check into your local commerce and growth organization. Finally, your friends and family can be a treasure trove of local recommendations
Small Steps Matter
You won’t change your habits or the local economy overnight, but you can start down the right path. Every small action you take matters.
