It is no secret that eBay, Amazon, and other ecommerce giants have significantly influenced the shopping experience in recent times. These big-box retailers guarantee straightforward one-click buys and same-day delivery to attract modern customers who are big on convenience. They also typically offer better prices, but an estimated 54.81% of Americans still shop at a local store at least once monthly. Shopping locally has several benefits that make it worth considering over buying from big-box retailers, including the following.
Build your local community
Shopping locally is perhaps the best way to support your community. When you patronize local businesses, you support your family, friends, and neighbors and contribute to their livelihood in the area. Over time, these businesses will grow and offer more job opportunities that residents can take advantage of. Additionally, remember that all thriving communities rely on local taxes to support programs and initiatives, maintain infrastructure, and beautify neighborhoods. Local entrepreneurs pay their fair share of taxes into the community each time you patronize them. This way, your money remains in the community and contributes to creating a better economic structure for everyone. Also, shopping locally with reusable bags helps preserve your community’s identity; an area littered with unique and bustling shops will undoubtedly create an appealing aesthetic that is excellent for locals and tourists alike.
Reduce your environmental impact
Earth.org estimates that the shipping and return of items accounted for about 37% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 alone. This problem is attributed to modern consumers’ insistence on convenience. Indeed, a huge carbon footprint is left behind when you ship purchased items from afar, but shopping from a local eco friendly marketplace can ensure that you contribute less to pollution. In addition, local shops often settle in existing builds, causing low infrastructural impact and contributing less to congestion, sprawl, resource depletion, and habitat loss.
Enjoy a better shopping experience
Local shops are well-known for their originality, so you will find several one-of-a-kind products and services when you patronize them. These novel products and services offer a much-needed break from the generic offerings sold by large companies so that they can elevate your shopping experience. Furthermore, local shops offer a personal touch that a huge chain cannot match. The owners and staff of such shops are always willing to go the extra mile to please their patrons, so it is no surprise that they are highly rated for customer service. According to Mint Intuit, 28% of American shoppers buy local to enjoy better service, so you can shop this way too if your customer experience is a top priority.
Support innovation and creativity
Local businesses are the hubs of innovation and creativity, and their mere existence is often due to a bold step taken by ingenious entrepreneurs. That’s why there seems to always be a new spot popping up in town trying to do something different, and it would be best not to underestimate these ideas. Your favorite local shop may be run by an entrepreneur on the verge of introducing the next big thing. Therefore, supporting their creativity helps you contribute to their success story from the very beginning.
