Why Shop Local?
There are many reasons why you may choose certain places to shop, such as parking or more product options. However, shopping locally can impact so much more than our wallets. From simple reasons like convenience to ones that affect the environment and local economy, here are 10 of the most impactful reasons to shop locally.
The pandemic has changed the way people shop and think about shopping, with many of us now more conscious about the decisions we make on spending and travel. In today’s society, how we approach shopping is ever-changing, but the benefits of shopping local remain the same:
1. It’s convenient
Convenience plays a huge part in our lives. After all, how easy is it to just ‘pop to the shop’ when it’s within walking distance? Today, many people opt to shop locally because of its proximity to home.
2. It’s better for the environment by helping reduce your carbon footprint
Most people are conscious about their environmental impact, whether trying to limit their single-use plastic, travelling more ethically, or avoiding driving when they can. For this reason, shopping locally and more sustainably is perfectly suited for those being mindful of their environmental impact.
3. You help support local businesses
This is one of the most important reasons to shop local. Independent businesses and charities have been hit hard by the pandemic. As a result, many enterprises have struggled to keep afloat or find new ways to service customers and support causes. Buying from a local business or charity shop, whether from a market stall or an actual shop is a great way to support them.
4. You invest in your community
Of course, shopping in a local business helps it financially, but it also supports the wider local economy and community. It’s an excellent opportunity to see new businesses continue to open and prosper within the neighbourhood. In turn, thriving independent businesses can help boost the prices of homes and properties within the area.
5. It helps create demand for local jobs
In addition to investing in your community, you can also help improve employment rates within the area by using local shops. Local businesses often provide many jobs to communities, and, in some cases, can even be someone’s first workplace to help kick-start their career. As the business grows, so too will the employment opportunities and local economy.
6. There are great deals to be found
Local shops rely on footfall from local people. Smaller independent shops are likely to have fewer people visiting and shopping with them than more prominent mainstream brands. This means they often must create deals that help bring in customers. This is something that larger shops might not necessarily do, resulting in a win-win for both customers looking to make a purchase and the business itself.
7. You’re likely to find quality products
Local shops and businesses may not always be able to compete with larger chain stores and brands in terms of advertising. However, unlike larger stores that must stock many products, local businesses are more likely to focus on the quality of the things they sell rather than the quantity.
8. Items and food are more likely to be sustainably sourced
Unfortunately, high demand for resources and global warming have had a profound effect on the world. But if we want the same products to be around for future generations, we need to think more ethically in our day-to-day life.
9. There’s more chance of finding the weird, wonderful, and quirky
Big brands usually follow a pattern of selling mass-created, trending seasonal products, whereas local and independent shops stock items that are bespoke, handmade, made locally and not available anywhere else. Whether it’s the pattern, design or the flavours of the product, its uniqueness means there is very little chance you’ll find it elsewhere.
10. You make more thoughtful purchases
It’s very easy to buy products on impulse. One of the many benefits of shopping local is that it makes you more conscious of your purchasing. Shopping locally and buying something only that store sells takes more thought than getting a gift from a major retailer. It’s unique, personal, and the chances are you’d be the first to give it to them. Additionally, you are less likely to end up buying things you never set out to purchase in the first place.
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