Why Shop Local?
Leominster Small Business Association Philosophy
1. Buy local, support yourself and your neighbor - Locally owned businesses tend to spend significantly more money within your community than nationally owned businesses. Studies show that this strengthens the economic base of the community including local businesses, service providers, farms and local employment.
2. Our community is unique – The individually owned, local business has a one of a kind flavor that the big chains miss. They add a distinctive character to the community. Visitors to the area look for destinations that are unique.
3. Be fuel conscious – Shopping locally can save fuel in two ways. Members of the community save fuel by traveling fewer miles to shop. Local business employees travel within the community not out of town for jobs.
4. Local Businesses/Local Jobs – Nationwide, most jobs are provided by small local businesses. The diversity of small businesses offers a better variety of employment opportunities.
5. Better Service – Local businesses hire local employees who better understand the products they are selling and take the extra time to get to know the customer.
6. Good use of tax dollars – Local businesses generally require less infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services when compared to nationally owned stores.
7. Community Investment – Local Businesses are owned by people within the community, and are more invested in the community’s future as a whole.
8. Support Community Groups – Non-profit organizations receive more support from small business owners than they do large businesses, ensuring that consumer dollars are re-invested back into the community.
9. Competition leads to more choices - A community with hundreds of small businesses is the best way to ensure originality and low prices in the long-term. Small businesses, each selecting products based on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.
10. Encourage future investment – Research shows that in an increasingly diverse world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and unique character.
