With the holiday season upon us, consider the benefits of shopping locally owned boutiques and stores…before you hit the malls and the big box stores. There are so many reasons to shop local, not to mention locally owned businesses are the life-blood of the community. These shops and boutiques contribute more to supporting the local communities than the big box stores, they take an active roll in local charities and provide superior service to their customers.
SMALL BUSINESSES IMPROVE THE LOCAL ECONOMY.
When you support a local business, you’re also supporting your town and neighborhood because significantly more of your money stays in the community. On average, 68% of your purchase at a small business remains in the local economy, compared to 43% of your purchase at a chain store. Local businesses also create jobs. Between 1993 and 2011, small businesses accounted for 64% of all new jobs created in the United States.
SMALL BUSINESSES PROVIDE BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE.
Small business owners are able to provide more personal, hands-on customer service. You know them – and they know you. They are familiar with the products you buy on a regular basis, and they can customize their products to make your shopping experience even better. In addition, you will often find unique products at local businesses that you would never be able to purchase online or at a big box retailer.
SMALL BUSINESSES CREATE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY.
Local businesses give a community its character. Your town’s local businesses make it different from any other city. Cities across the country may have similar (or the same) chain restaurants, grocery, and department stores, but the local shops in your town are one-of-a-kind. By supporting these businesses, you ensure this uniqueness is preserved.
Buying local has benefits far beyond convenience. This holiday season get to know a small business in your neighborhood! During the holiday season, shoppers are encouraged to support local brick-and-mortar businesses rather than shopping at a big box store or shopping from a national online retailer, whom frankly cannot offer the personalized service a locally owned boutique does.
When you support local businesses, you not only get unique products and a high level of customer service, but you help make your community a better place to live. Fazio’s looks forward to seeing you this holiday season! We have many new holiday offerings sure to delight the folks on your gift giving list.