Yes
, we know that Amazon Prime has free two-day shipping. We know you can
shop without having to put on pants. We know you can read reviews from other shoppers
while also not wearing pants.
But with the holidays approaching,
TODAY would like to offer up some
advantages to shopping in our local brick-and-mortar stores. They might require you to put
on pants, but the trade-offs are so much better, and it’s more than just some feel-good act of
altruism. Shopping local benefi ts you, and there are hard facts to back that up. Read on to
fi nd out our Top Five Reasons to Shop Local.
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Community Investment
Tis
the
season
to shop
locally
Written By
Carly Gelsinger
When we shop local, we are buying from our friends, neighbors, parents of
children in our school districts, people we go to church with, people who
serve on the board of local nonprofi ts—in other words, we are buying from
people who have a vested interest in our region.
“Studies show that local business generates 70 percent more local economic
activity per square foot than big box retail. Spending $100 at a local business
equals $68 in local economic activity vs. $48 generated at a big box store,”
said Melanie Corona, director of the Gilroy Downtown Business Association.
And it tends to have a trickle-down effect. Because local business owners
are invested in their community, they tend to give to local charities, pumping
even more money back into the local economy. “People come in all the time,
asking for money for a fundraiser, and we always try to help them whether it’s
a school or a church,” said Brad Jones, co-owner of Booksmart in Morgan Hill
on Dunne Avenue. “And I really doubt they get help from Amazon.”
And homeowners, don’t forget that housing prices are stronger in cities
with thriving local businesses,
Builds Character
Local businesses are the backbone of a community. Stop
by any town across the country, and you’re sure to fi nd
a Denny’s with the same standard menu and the same
uniform look. But there’s only one OD’s Kitchen. There’s
only one Lawson’s Bakery. These are the places that set
the South Valley apart from everywhere else. According
to Stacy Mitchell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance,
“In an increasingly homogenized world, communities that
preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive
character have an economic advantage.” Not only do
communities with character benefi t their locals, but they
draw tourism.
Think about it this way—how would you rather spend
a romantic afternoon? Strolling downtown with its unique
boutiques, restaurants, gift shops, and wine tasting
rooms? Or sitting in front of your computer wondering
if what you see is what you’re going to get? Communities
that support their local businesses are communities that
thrive; and communities that thrive are places that people
like to live, work and play.