It does take more effort for our local residents to shop on the Avenue, rather than online or at the mall. Maybe parking isn’t as convenient. Maybe you can find a better price online. But think about some of the benefits of checking out your shops here first.
When you shop at locally owned, independent businesses, more money stays in the community. The chart below gives an example of the same $100 spent at an independently owned shop, and at a non-locally owned business. 68% of money spent stays in the community with a locally owned business, as opposed to 43% for a non-local business.
Cinda Baxter from the 3/50 Project, a group committed to supporting independently owned businesses writes: ”States are gasping for air as their sales tax revenues drop. Commercial property tax roles shrink as brick and mortars go dark. And our quality of life, directly connected to emergency services, sidewalks, streets, state agencies, school programs, park systems, etc. suffer.” The 3/50 Project Blog
The success of locally owned businesses is essential to keeping benefits of the community that can’t be measured by dollar signs. People who own the shop you walk into, really care about YOU, and care about the town. They want to make a profit, yes, but usually the bottom line is customer satisfaction and community enrichment.
“Local owners with much of their life savings invested in their businesses have a natural interest in the long-term health of the community. Community-based businesses are essential to charitable endeavors, frequently serving on local boards, and supporting a variety of causes." reclaimdemocracy.org
Think about your favorite locally owned, independent businesses here in town that you would not want to lose. Take an extra minute to stop in and support them FIRST, before hitting the freeway or the internet.
POSTED BY: Kimberly Wassenberg Hull
