With big box stores and online retail giants slowly but surely wiping out mom-and-pop shops across America, it’s more important than ever to support small businesses. While wonderful initiatives such as Small Business Saturday promote shopping locally, it’s very beneficial to have that “shop small” mindset year round. Read on to learn the benefits of supporting your local small businesses.
Better service.
Local shop owners are very invested in their businesses, meaning you’ll receive top-notch customer service from them and the people they employ. Small business owners often hire people who are knowledgeable about the products they are selling and will also take the extra time to get to know customers and build relationships.
More support for the local economy.
Money spent in small businesses usually stays within the community, benefitting the local economy. Small local businesses also provide jobs to residents, so supporting mom-and-pop shops means more job opportunities within the community. Small business owners are also usually intent on supporting their fellow small businesses, further contributing to a healthy local economy.
Investment within the community.
Small business owners are usually intent on supporting their fellow local businesses, further contributing to a healthy local economy and sense of community. Local businesses owners live in the communities they serve, therefore are more invested in the community’s future and are less likely to leave. Local businesses are also twice as likely to donate to community causes than large chain retailers.
Better use of your tax money.
Local businesses require less infrastructure and less maintenance, meaning more of your tax dollars are available to benefit and beautify your community. Small businesses also make more efficient use of public services as compared to big-box stores entering the community.
Keeps your community one-of-a-kind.
If every town in America had the same retail and restaurant chains, we’d be pretty bland from coast to coast. Small businesses make our communities unique, and when there are successful small businesses within our communities, that entices new small businesses to move in, too. Communities with unique and thriving places to shop and eat will attract new residents, entrepreneurs, and future investors. It creates healthy competition, which means more choices and lower prices for the consumers. It’s a win-win.
South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce recommends that you always consider supporting your small businesses and buying local whenever you can.
