It’s easy to order something online and have it shipped directly to your doorstep, and you know what you’re getting when you pull through the drive-thru at some of America’s most nationally recognized chain fast food joints.
But you’ll hear people say that shopping local is the right thing to do — it’s no wonder that Shop Local Saturday immediately follows Black Friday every November.
That’s because shopping local isn’t just good for you: There’s a surprising number of elements to consider the next time you’re hungry or want a new t-shirt.
Shopping locally keeps the Midwest economy alive, now more than ever. Yes, it’s true that all industries have been slammed by the COVID-19 pandemic. But your communities are where you should focus most of your attention as a buyer, especially considering that many online or big box stores will survive this much stronger than your local bookstores or diners. Plus, a study from Michigan’s Local First confirmed that $73 of every $100 spent at a local business stays in the community.
Those same local businesses are the ones helping you out. The nearby coffee shop understands your community much better than the Starbucks down the road, and business owners give back to various charities and organizations that benefit your own town.
Midwesterners understand Midwesterners: That’s why they’ll have your back and you should have theirs, too.
It’s better for the environment. Yes, you should still recycle and watch how much water you’re using, but a little-known fact is that shopping local is actually better for the environment as a whole.
When you consider how far some of your food travels to reach major chain grocery stores, you might not want to pick up tomatoes anywhere but those grown in your neighborhood.
Overseas plane travel, extended truck trips, and other methods of transportation all contribute to our carbon footprint.
The competition remains strong when you shop local. You don’t need to have an economics degree to understand that monopolies are bad for consumers.
Larger businesses that have a total stranglehold on the market can charge you more money than their goods or services are worth. But buying local promotes better price points and, in the long run, more money in your pockets.
You’re going to get great customer service. OK, this one is just for you! When you buy locally, you’re much more likely to get face-to-face communication with the business owners, whereas buying something elsewhere can result in hours of clearing the air with an online telephone rep or even a bot.
Midwesterners have that classic, comfortable charm about them: Make sure you get to experience it firsthand!
