Pardon me for a moment or two while I step up on my soap box! We all know that the failing economy is hurting everyone. Who among you haven’t noticed the empty store fronts with “For Lease” signs plastered everywhere? If you want the economy in your area to start to pick back up, the power is in your hands! SHOP LOCAL!!!
I know it seems like such a simplistic answer, but think about it: When you shop local, you invest in you community, your neighbors and in yourselves. The best return on investment is in local businesses. It is estimated that for every dollar you spend, twice as much will be reinvested in the community by a local store when compared to a national store.
Here are some more statistics for you to ponder: Small, local businesses are the largest employer nationally. Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community who are more invested in the community’s future. To ensure innovation and low prices long-term, small businesses serve as a marketplace of tens of thousands of vendors who offer their own unique items. Because locally owned businesses can make independent decisions regarding its name and look, as well as business purchasing practices and distribution, it means they are better able to be “green” businesses by keeping their money invested in other local businesses—reducing transportation costs and pollution. Data in some areas show that even non-profit organizations benefit from local businesses, receiving on average 350% greater support from them than from non-locally owned businesses.
So if you want to play a part in helping the economy in your community get back up on its feet, start looking to the small “mom and pop” shops right inside your own community. There are farmer’s markets in downtown Richmond, Lakeside, Ashland, and the west end—just to name a few. Communities like Ashland, Carytown and Lakeside offer eclectic shops with a variety of wares for just about anyone’s tastes. You can even shop by location online through www.Etsy.com.
Thanks for taking the time to keep local businesses in mind when you are out and about on your shopping excursions.
I know it seems like such a simplistic answer, but think about it: When you shop local, you invest in you community, your neighbors and in yourselves. The best return on investment is in local businesses. It is estimated that for every dollar you spend, twice as much will be reinvested in the community by a local store when compared to a national store.
Here are some more statistics for you to ponder: Small, local businesses are the largest employer nationally. Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community who are more invested in the community’s future. To ensure innovation and low prices long-term, small businesses serve as a marketplace of tens of thousands of vendors who offer their own unique items. Because locally owned businesses can make independent decisions regarding its name and look, as well as business purchasing practices and distribution, it means they are better able to be “green” businesses by keeping their money invested in other local businesses—reducing transportation costs and pollution. Data in some areas show that even non-profit organizations benefit from local businesses, receiving on average 350% greater support from them than from non-locally owned businesses.
So if you want to play a part in helping the economy in your community get back up on its feet, start looking to the small “mom and pop” shops right inside your own community. There are farmer’s markets in downtown Richmond, Lakeside, Ashland, and the west end—just to name a few. Communities like Ashland, Carytown and Lakeside offer eclectic shops with a variety of wares for just about anyone’s tastes. You can even shop by location online through www.Etsy.com.
Thanks for taking the time to keep local businesses in mind when you are out and about on your shopping excursions.
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