As many adults in the UK find their budgets squeezed amid high costs of living, many people are looking to save money any way they can. But even during tough economic times, it’s important to continue supporting local businesses to keep small businesses alive.
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If you need even more reason to shop local, here are some of the reasons why you should always shop local and support small businesses if you can.
Reasons To Shop Local
Strengthens local communities
Local businesses are more than just retail outlets or service providers – they’re the beating heart of many communities. Especially during challenging times, like during the pandemic, small businesses often step up and adapt to support the communities they serve, becoming crucial lifelines in times of need.
They provide something for everyone
Local businesses are usually set up by entrepreneurs who notice a gap in the market. This drive to fill this gap means that local businesses often have something for everyone.
Whether that’s a pizza place serving Chicago pizzas, a brand-new yoga studio or a local shop full of organic produce, small businesses can offer a personal touch, unique products and better customer service compared to the big giants.
Supports local employment
Shopping locally injects money directly into the local community, supporting jobs and funding vital public services like libraries and parks. For every £10 spent in an independent shop, it’s thought that £50 goes back into the local economy.
This multiplier effect strengthens the economic fabric of communities and ensures a vibrant, diverse high street.Not to mention that small businesses employ around 16.7 million people in the UK. By shopping local and supporting local businesses, you can help keep your neighbours’ jobs safe.
Better for the environment
Local businesses typically have a smaller carbon footprint compared to large corporations. This is because they’re much more likely to source products locally, which in turn reduces transportation distances and emissions.
For example, local farm-to-plate restaurants championing fresh produce from the surrounding areas will usually source their ingredients from local farmers and mongers. Large companies will often source the cheapest products – whether that’s sustainable or not.
Many small businesses also sell handcrafted, unique items that avoid the mass-production ethos contributing to global environmental issues.
Even if you decide to go a little further afield and choose to get the train to Bradford for the day to pick up some award-winning textiles or want to sample a new coffee shop a little further away, this is still significantly better for the environment than supporting huge corporations.
Supports innovation and creativity
The resilience of high streets and local communities hinges on their ability to innovate and adapt. Local businesses are at the forefront of this transformation, offering unique products and experiences that cater to the evolving needs of their customers.
This creativity not only attracts locals but can also draw tourists. This boosts the local economy even further!
Support Local Businesses
The most obvious way to support local businesses is by shopping at their stores or restaurants. But if you can’t afford to support them by purchasing something, there are some other ways you can help.
For example, leaving positive reviews online, sharing posts on social media and mentioning the business to family and friends can go a long way towards supporting the local economy.
In small businesses especially, small gestures like tipping generously or choosing to buy a loaf of bread from an independent bakery can make a significant difference.
Support Small Businesses
From boosting the local economy to supporting environmental sustainability and fostering innovation, there are so many reasons to shop locally, and support small businesses. As consumers, we hold the power to shape the future of our high streets and local communities through our everyday choices. Will you do your bit?
