Shopping
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Articles
Main Street, not Wall Street, We Make The Difference?
Wes Wade
Too many times we see ourselves caving to the convenience of the chain stores, internet shopping and supermarkets, but how often are we missing out on supporting our local communities and businesses? We see our money going to Corporations that aren't as willing to see that it gets back to our community. Here we suggest the best way to protest Wall Street is by shopping Main Street.
For the story click here.
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Do You Really Support Local!
by Wes Wade
Do you make a conscious decision to put your money where your mouth is? Almost everyone I talk to tells me they support local and love what we are doing with I Luv Local Places.com. And I am confident they mean every word. Click Here for the entire article.
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Think Local First!
You work hard for every dollar you spend! Do you know where it goes? Your decision regarding where to spend your money impacts the community where you live, work and play. If you want to impact the local character of this area and make it better, then read on and see what a difference a simple dollar makes.Many residents have watched their local businesses slowly withering away from their town, unable to make a living trying to compete against the big box stores and chain restaurant that have taken over our communities. When we shop and dine local we are supporting our local community not just one business. Attorneys, accountants, insurance agencies, food suppliers, print shops, uniform businesses and janitorial suppliers are just a few of the businesses that are supported from local business.
When we shop at a national chain store, we are supporting a store here in addition to the corporate head quarters usually located in a major city. That doesn't sound like much, but when you stop to think about how much they aren't contributing to your community it ends up being a lot. Here are a few things that aren't done at the local level: accounting, insurance, maintenance, print materials, food supplies, uniforms, human resources, legal, materials, remodels, janitorial supplies, etc.
The corporate stores and chains pay taxes and employ many people, but those same taxes would be generated if you were purchasing from a local business instead of a chain. The employees could be employed by a local business if they had more sales. In addition a local business would be using a local accountant, a local attorney, a local insurance agent, etc.
There has been a study done on local business called the 3 50 project*. Their research found that for every $100 spent at a local business $68 was returned to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. That same $100 spent at a national chain only returned $43 to the community. That $100 spent online returns $0 to the community. (Well other than the UPS guys paycheck)
The 3 50 project* suggest that we pick 3 local businesses that we like and shift $50 a month of our spending from a national retailer to them. If 20% of our population in Cape Girardeau County did this, we estimate over 2 million in sales would be generated for the local business community. Imagine if half of our employed population did this. It would make a great impact on local business and the businesses that they support. So, never think that your one sale isn't that important.
Now don't get me wrong, national chains have their place and we're not putting them down. We are just trying to lift up our local businesses.
So the next time you are thinking about where to grab a bite to eat "Think Local First"; Or buying something you need around the house "Think Local First". You might just be improving our community, as well.
Have Fun and Shop Local,
Janet Wade
* 3 50 Project Website
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New Year's Resolution to Shop Local
The economy would have to be the Number One issue of 2009 and many suspect it will be in the coming year as well. With the 2010 New Year now upon us and resolutions being considered, we would encourage you to make supporting local one of your top priorities! Since so much of what we do is from habit or routine, why not consider changing your shopping habits by choosing a local option. Many of you have told us how you shop exclusively with local places, many more have told us you support the idea and frequently shop local. While we have been encouraged by the feedback. please consider how you can do even more. In these difficult times community is more important than ever.
We have written several articles regarding your economic impact in choosing to spend those hard earned dollars with locally owned places.You will find the local retail, hardware/lumber companies, garden nurseries, restaurants and even grocery stores, have most of the same products and many times the price is at or below the national chains. For those times where the price is higher, remember the prior articles about how much of your money stays in the community, enhancing the quality of life for us all. As an example, simply look at the sponsors listed for your favorite local sports team, community events or projects and notice the majority of them are locally owned businesses.
Speaking from experience, the more you shop local the more you want to shop local. While getting to know the employees and owners of small business, you find out you are helping your neighbor when you shop. The relationships become a meaningful part of your trips to the store. That small town feel is still possible, no matter how large the city, when you spend your time and money in the small businesses of our community.
As a reminder, this is not an indictment of national businesses or chains, there are many wonderful options available. We are simply focusing on choices to improve our local communities. And as the 3/50 project (3/50 Project) has found, more of your dollar stays in your community when spent with a locally owned, independent business.
So, think of three locally owned establishments you would hate to do without and make it your goal to support them even more in 2010!
Wishing you the best in 2010!
Have Fun and Luv Local,
Janet Wade
The economy would have to be the Number One issue of 2009 and many suspect it will be in the coming year as well. With the 2010 New Year now upon us and resolutions being considered, we would encourage you to make supporting local one of your top priorities! Since so much of what we do is from habit or routine, why not consider changing your shopping habits by choosing a local option. Many of you have told us how you shop exclusively with local places, many more have told us you support the idea and frequently shop local. While we have been encouraged by the feedback. please consider how you can do even more. In these difficult times community is more important than ever.
We have written several articles regarding your economic impact in choosing to spend those hard earned dollars with locally owned places.You will find the local retail, hardware/lumber companies, garden nurseries, restaurants and even grocery stores, have most of the same products and many times the price is at or below the national chains. For those times where the price is higher, remember the prior articles about how much of your money stays in the community, enhancing the quality of life for us all. As an example, simply look at the sponsors listed for your favorite local sports team, community events or projects and notice the majority of them are locally owned businesses.
Speaking from experience, the more you shop local the more you want to shop local. While getting to know the employees and owners of small business, you find out you are helping your neighbor when you shop. The relationships become a meaningful part of your trips to the store. That small town feel is still possible, no matter how large the city, when you spend your time and money in the small businesses of our community.
As a reminder, this is not an indictment of national businesses or chains, there are many wonderful options available. We are simply focusing on choices to improve our local communities. And as the 3/50 project (3/50 Project) has found, more of your dollar stays in your community when spent with a locally owned, independent business.
So, think of three locally owned establishments you would hate to do without and make it your goal to support them even more in 2010!
Wishing you the best in 2010!
Have Fun and Luv Local,
Janet Wade
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