By Tracey Hall ~
Shop Local is a theme that not only deserves its own day on the calendar but also deserves to be a part of our regular routines. When you visit the beach this summer, make sure you pop into town and help our merchants. The Jersey Shore is a “Shop Local” bonanza because so many of our towns have quaint Main Streets that are open for business all year long.
So what happens when you Shop Local:
1. More of your money will be kept in your local economy
For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.*
2. You embrace what makes your community unique
You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way?
3. You create local jobs
Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. When you shop locally, you help create jobs for teachers, firemen, police officers, and many other essential professions.
4. You help the environment
Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.
5. You nurture community
Local business owners know you, and you know them. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.
6. You conserve your tax dollars
Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify your community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong— in your community!
7. You create more choice
Locally owned businesses pick the items and products they sell based on what they know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wider array of unique products because they buy for their own individual markets.
8. You took advantage of their expertise
You are their friends and neighbors, and locally owned businesses have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. They’re passionate about what they do. Why not take advantage of it?
9. You invested in entrepreneurship
Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon. Nurturing local business ensures a strong community.
10. You made your community a destination
The more interesting and unique your community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors, and guests. This benefits everyone!
*Source: Civic Economics – Andersonville Study of Retail Economics.
It makes sense to keep our small towns along the shore prosperous. This is our home, we are the locals, and we need to keep our businesses alive. Why not stop at the local coffee shop, grab a cup of joe and enjoy the stroll on your favorite Main Street?