Reasons to Shop Local

We all know we should shop local. The message is clear and everywhere. Sometimes, convenience persuades us we shouldn’t or practicality, steals away that option. That is to say, that sometimes there isn’t a choice. Disability for example can mean it is impossible to live a comfortable and fulfilling life without the support of supermarket deliveries and services like Amazon. People sometimes forget how online services can allow those in a vulnerable position to find some means of quality of life. So, I get that shopping local isn’t possible for everyone; it really depends on the resources and support you have, the services you need what nearby businesses can and can’t offer you. For those that can shop local, however – there are no shortage of benefits and reasons to do so.

Local Personality

Places tend to have personality. It can come down to the cultural attitude of the community, the architecture, history or nearby places and resources. It all blends together to create an identity of sorts; in-fact it is this sense of identity that I love about St Albans. These store fronts, logos, names and such all help define the character.

Every local business contributes towards the community’s personality in its own way; from the grocers to the builders or solicitors which all add to the overall flavour and texture of the town. Whereas too many chain stores tend to either not mesh with the vibe or muddy the waters.

Community Prosperity

The economy of your area is dependent on a healthy flow of money and adequate supply of jobs. If this doesn’t exist, then there is a knock-on effect in terms of people having to live, work and shop elsewhere. Local businesses are a foundational aspect of this.

By spending money locally, you are more likely to see this action carry forward. For example, a local business owner is more likely to spend their cash locally on local services; this in turn will help keep other local businesses and residents afloat.

What’s more is that local companies are more inclined to support local causes, to back local charities. Of course, big multi-national behemoths do too. However, business based in your area and managed by a resident is more likely to understand and be passionate about the same challenges.

More Efficient and More Ecological

This is not guaranteed of course, it depends on a great many factors but often choosing local companies can have a positive impact environmentally.

There are a variety of reasons and it varies from region-to-region and shop-to-shop; examples come down to things like them having a reduced carbon footprint, less waste, shorter travel distances for shoppers and locally encouraged business practices.

A Human Touch

OK. I’ll start by making clear that all companies are run and staffed by people, this should go without saying. What I mean though is not all feel ‘human’. A small local greengrocer for example is going to feel more personable than a supermarket.

Corporations have their benefits but they tend to put a lot of pressure on employees and customers alike with policies that fail to consider context and indifference between one person and the next. Whereas generally a smaller, more focused company thrives on repeat custom and strong mutual trust between the proprietor and the customer. You’re less likely to feel expendable; more likely to be heard and considered throughout the process. Especially, if something is wrong.