Why You Should Buy Local
Three reasons why locally owned businesses benefit the community.
You’ve seen the “Buy Local” decals in the store window, signs at the farmer’s market and the popular, cheerful logos on reusable grocery bags. The message about buying close to home is more than a feel-good, fleeting moment. Researchers have taken a closer look at how local businesses have a profound economic impact on their communities.
1. Buying local keeps more money in the community
One study found that when consumers buy from local businesses, $68 stays in the community. Compared that to only $43 of each $100 spent at a non-local business.
Benefits to the community reach even deeper than your money going to one local business. Small businesses also spend money in the community to do business, like: paying employees, using local utilities, equipment and inventory supplies. In turn, those businesses recirculate the money back into the community in the same way. Also, the business owners and employees spend the money they make in the local economy. Buying locally builds a strong local economy.
2. Local jobs are created and sustained
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), there are 29.6 million small businesses in the United States, which account for 99.9% of all the nation’s businesses. These businesses employ almost 48% of the workforce. These are no small figures!
When you buy locally, you’re helping a local company stay profitable and grow. A growing small business can then afford to hire more employees, which in turn, reduces unemployment rates in your area.
3. The local community and economy are strengthened
Speaking of unemployment rates: unemployment precedes poverty. Not only does it cost more to be poor, neighborhoods start to decline as occupants are unable to maintain their homes. Then crime rates increase as well as local taxes in order to pay for more law enforcement and social services. By keeping local companies in business, you’re strengthening your whole community.
We’re proud to serve our neighborhood as your local office products dealer. We provide all of your office supply needs: from paper to ink to cleaning products. Remember, when you choose to “Buy Local” from us, you’re helping make a meaningful difference in our community.