As a proud resident of our small town and owner of Critters Pet Store for the past 30 years, I want to emphasize the vital role locally owned and operated stores play in our community.
While big box conglomerates and online retailers dominate the market, it’s essential to recognize the unique benefits of supporting local businesses.
The small business economy has been extremely challenging for the past several years.
Covid changed a lot of people’s buying habits: more online shopping, less visits to the local stores. This creates a bit of a vicious cycle, as less brick and mortar shopping means less dollars for local stores to invest in their inventory, which means less options to purchase in the local stores. For many of us small businesses, we really need the support of our local communities to stay in business by having our community shop locally rather than ordering in from online sources.
Here are several reasons why local businesses are vital and essential to local economies:
1. Local businesses stimulate local economies: When we choose to shop locally, we reinvest money back into our community. Unlike large chain stores that often receive tax breaks, our local businesses contribute directly to our local government through taxes. These funds are then used to improve our schools, infrastructure and public services.
2. Reducing carbon footprint: Local businesses tend to make more local purchases, resulting in less transportation. By shopping at neighbourhood stores, we reduce pollution, congestion and the environmental impact associated with long supply chains.
3. Create more jobs: Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They provide employment opportunities for our neighbours, contributing to economic growth and stability. When we support local stores, we help sustain livelihoods within our community.
4. Give back to local communities: Local business owners are engaged members of our community. They actively support local charities and causes, creating a positive cycle of giving back. In fact, small businesses donate 250 per cent more to local nonprofits than large corporations! Our store has enthusiastically supported the BCSPCA, Shuswap Paws Rescue Society, Shuswap Hospice, the local Legion, many schools and local sports teams as well as many other local charities.
5. Better customer service: Local businesses prioritize personalized service. When you walk into your neighbourhood store, you are often greeted by familiar faces who genuinely care about your needs, and if you are a regular, they will often recognize, remember, and anticipate your needs. That personal touch simply isn’t possible in an impersonal, online transaction.
6. Nurture innovation and growth: Small businesses are hubs of creativity and innovation. They adapt to local preferences, introduce unique products, and foster a sense of community. By supporting small businesses, we encourage diversity and resilience in our local economy.
7. Support your local small town dream: Behind every local business is a dreamer, a passionate entrepreneur who took risks to build something meaningful. When we shop locally, we celebrate and sustain these dreams!
In conclusion, let’s celebrate our local stores – the heart and soul of our town! By choosing to shop locally, we invest in our community’s future and create a vibrant, thriving community for our friends and families live, work and shop in! Shop local, please!
Ed Parent
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