A movement has begun in recent years that favors local businesses over impersonal chain stores. Consumers are increasingly seeing the benefits of turning away from big-box retailers and giving their business to people who live in their own communities instead. These are antique dealers, local farmers, artists, craftsmen, and yes – grocers that offer benefits you may not get from shopping at national chains.

What many people do not realize is there are far-reaching advantages to shopping local. Here are some of the top benefits of supporting local businesses.

1. Boost the Local Economy

The figures don’t lie. It simply makes economic sense to shop in local businesses. According to one study, when people shop locally, $73 out of every $100 spent goes right back into the local economy. Compare that to just $43 out of $100 spent at non-local stores, meaning 57% leaves the area.

Local business owners also tend to support each other. When a local business needs supplies, produce, or catering, they will often search out another local business owner. Chain businesses are more likely to go through their corporate departments for these purchases, moving more money out of the local economy.

2. Improve Your Family’s Health

Buying local foods has a variety of health benefits for you and your loved ones. When you buy food that has been locally-sourced, you have access to things like grass-fed meat, chemical-free fruits and vegetables, and fresh eggs and dairy products.

3. Connect With Business Owners

When you support local businesses, you have an opportunity to support your neighbors, friends, and family. These business owners are the other parents in your children’s school and the people that you see at the local park.

Along with the rest of the community, you get a greater connection with these business owners than you would a chain store. You celebrate their success together and have a personal investment when a business is struggling or forced to close.

4. Get Better Customer Service

Anyone who has ever had to address an issue with a large corporation understands that getting help can be frustrating. You might be forced to call a toll-free number or use an online chat service and then explain your issue multiple times to people who don’t seem able to understand or make a decision.

When you shop locally, you don’t have to worry about this. You often deal with the business owner or someone directly connected to them with the power to solve your issue immediately. You also get more personalized service with local businesses, which is something consumers have grown to love and expect.

5. Keep Your Community Unique

Just about every community now has a nationally named dollar store, grocer, or big-box chain. But it is the local businesses that give a community its uniqueness and flavor. People know where to gather on Saturday morning for brunch or which local business is going to take care of them when they are having a special gathering in their home.

It is these businesses that make your town different from the one down the road or across the state, so your support matters as a way to keep your community unique.

6. Create More Jobs and Opportunities

When you shop local, these businesses will experience success and growth. They might open a second location or expand the products and services they offer. This will create more opportunities in your communities. First, there might be construction work to build another store. Second, there will be more job positions filled by local employees.

7. Draw More Non-Local Traffic

People don’t generally make it a habit to visit other towns for the purposes of shopping at chain stores. But they will do this if the town has a diverse selection of local businesses. These shopping districts not only allow the local community to congregate and make memories, but they also act as a draw to bring even more revenue into the area from non-local traffic.

8. Encourage Entrepreneurship

When a community is small-business-friendly, this encourages others to pursue entrepreneurship. Someone with a small business idea might get inspiration from the local business owners and consumers to pursue their dream. Current entrepreneurs can even offer advice and mentorship to help new owners achieve success.

Shop Local at Nick’s of Calvert

If you would like to support a local business, make sure to put Nick’s of Calvert on your list. Over the past 50 years, our family-run business has been dedicated to serving the needs of its local Southern Maryland customers.

We offer a unique alternative to large chain stores, with a combination of quality customer service and full-service deli and meat departments. Check out Nick’s of Calvert today for all your grocery, catering, and spirits needs. Visit us or give us a call at (410) 414-7105.