If you’ve been feeling inspired to rethink the way you wield your purchasing power, there are many benefits to keeping it local which aren’t too frequently discussed. Here are three of them.
Growing your local economy. Helping support the dreams of your family, friends, and neighbors. Creating jobs in your community. You’ve heard these commonly cited reasons to support local businesses before, and they are indeed valid and compelling.
But if you’ve been feeling inspired to rethink the way you wield your purchasing power, there are many more benefits to keeping it local which aren’t as frequently discussed. Here are three of them.
We all want to have that reliable contractor on call who we can trust implicitly to solve problems with skill, efficiency, and care, but they don’t just appear from the ether—you have to hire them consistently and maintain that relationship.
When you keep returning to the same professional or company with your needs, you’re building a rapport with them. Over time, they learn about your preferences and how best to serve your needs. Then, next time you need those services, you don’t have to start on the ground floor with someone else.
Brands that thrive are those which differentiate from the rest. They don’t try to be all things to all people and instead focus on niche demographics. For example, a business that designs and produces culturally specific greeting cards is providing a product that may not be available anywhere else in the region.
There are currently 526,350 small businesses registered in Minnesota, accounting for 99.5% of all businesses in the state! This means that no matter what services or products you are looking for, there will almost certainly be a small business catering specifically to YOU and your needs, which is something Walmart will never be able to do.
Think about your favorite restaurants in your city. Now, how many of those are national chains with locations in every strip mall, and how many are unique establishments you can’t find anywhere else?
The charm and individuality of local businesses are a large part of what makes your city special. They are often direct reflections of the people who own and operate them, with all the character and quirkiness they bring with them. When you support these local establishments, you help keep your city a fun and interesting place to live.
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