Top Five Reasons to Seek Out Small
1. Keep your Cash in the Community
Buying from independent, locally owned business, puts more of your money back into your local economy. In fact, for every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.
2. Make Rock Hill Unique
Familiar with Austin, Texas’ slogan “Keep Austin Weird”? That tagline serves as a reminder that the places where we shop, eat and have fun define our community. Does a future with cities overrun with only big box options seem bleak to you? Get thee to the closest local shop and share some love…
3. Be Kind to Mother Earth
Local businesses tend to purchase locally themselves resulting in reduced transportation needs and lessening their overall footprint in general. ‘Nuff said.
4. Get Better Service
Local shops and eateries are owned by your friends, families and neighbors which means they know more about the area. They also go out of their way to hire local people with a better understanding of the community as well as share a passion for the product they are selling. These folks also take time to get to know their customers which is a win for you.
5. Local Business Care about You
Chain stores may carry 20 types of ketchup but local business take the time to listen to their customers to find the single best product or solution. Many local businesses are willing to go the extra mile to present the best options to their customers saving you headaches in the long run. Yeah, you’re welcome.
Because Oprah Said So?
We’ve mentioned The 3/50 Project before, but it’s been awhile, so a quick recap is below. The 3/50 Project challenges everyone to do their part in “Saving the Brick and Mortars our Nation was Built On.” The next time you grab a bite to eat or look for that perfect birthday gift, remember this:
3 - Think about which three independently owned businesses you’d miss most if they were gone. Stop in and say hello. Pick up a little something that will make someone smile. Your contribution is what keeps those businesses around.
50 - If just half the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 of the employed population did that.
68 - For every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.
More Ways to Shop Local
For restaurants and shops in and around Old Town, check out onlyinoldtown.com for a list with some authentic local flare.
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