Discover the top 10 reasons to shop local and support your community. From boosting the economy to finding unique products, learn how shopping local benefits you and those around you.
Shop Local: Top 10 Reasons to Support Your Community by Shopping Locally
By Ken Crause for WWmalls
We’ve all heard the phrase "Shop Local" tossed around in recent years, especially as more people start to recognize the importance of supporting their local businesses. But what does it actually mean for you as a shopper? Does it really make a difference whether you buy your coffee beans from a local roaster or a national chain? Absolutely!
Retailers are failing in an unprecedented way as a result of two major factors. The first is the advent of online superstores such as Amazon, Wayfair, Walmart, eBay, and others. Before the advent of Covid-19, Sears, one of the oldest and largest retailers in North America, closed its doors. They did not prepare for the changes in consumer spending online, and Amazon decimated them. Other chains too have closed as a result of that.
The second is due to restrictions imposed on them by governments in their attempt to thwart the Covid-19 spread, resulting in many retailers having their stores closed. According to The Washington Post, more than 100,000 small businesses in the United States permanently shut their doors since the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic in March 2020.
As someone who’s spent years diving into the world of shopping trends, I can confidently say that shopping local is one of the most rewarding things you can do—not just for your wallet, but for your community as a whole. From personal experiences to expert insights, here are the Top 10 Reasons You Should Shop Local.
1. Boost Your Local Economy
When you shop at local businesses, you’re not just spending money—you’re investing in your community. Studies show that for every dollar spent at a local business, about 68 cents stays in the local economy. In contrast, when you shop at a big-box store, only about 43 cents per dollar stays local, and if you shop on online retail stores like Amazon, 0 dollars stay in the community.
When money is spent in local stores, a sizable amount of it is re-spent in the community. Some is donated to local charities and sports teams. Why not invest in where you live and in the people you rub shoulders with every day, rather than some faceless corporation that cares nothing about you, your family, or community?
This is something I’ve seen firsthand in my city. Several years ago, our downtown area was struggling, with businesses closing and storefronts empty. But as more people began supporting local entrepreneurs, it didn’t take long for the area to bounce back. New shops popped up, and today, our downtown is thriving with small boutiques, local eateries, and a bustling market in the summer where you can find all kinds of small businesses in our city who don’t even have storefronts.
Your Dollar Does More
When you shop local, you’re helping small businesses pay their employees, rent, and keep their doors open. The ripple effect is clear: more jobs, a stronger economy, and a better community for everyone.
According to statistics by the Government of Canada, as of 2021, small businesses employed 8.2 million individuals in Canada, or 67.7% of the total private labor force.
Everyone needs a job, especially graduates looking for their first job. Who wants to see their kids leave home and leave town at the same time? We want our kids to have that opportunity locally, but that will only be possible if we support our local businesses.
2. Unique, Personalized Products
Shopping local gives you access to items you just won’t find at chain stores. I’ll never forget the time I was looking for a birthday gift for my sister. Instead of heading to a large department store, I wandered through the market downtown this summer. I found a handcrafted necklace that was not only beautiful but had a story behind it—the artist who made it was a local jeweler working out of her home studio.
That’s the kind of shopping experience you can’t replicate at big chains. Local businesses often feature one-of-a-kind items, whether it’s handmade jewelry, small-batch sauces, or custom furniture. If you love having unique things, shopping locally is a must.
3. Better Customer Service
There’s something special about walking into a store and being greeted by name. Local businesses are rooted in relationships. I once had an issue with a purchase from a local shop—a pair of shoes that didn’t quite fit right. Instead of getting the runaround like I might have at a large retailer, the owner personally helped me exchange them and even offered tips on how to break in the new pair.
You can expect more personalized attention from local businesses because they genuinely care about their customers. They’re not dealing with thousands of transactions every day—they’re focused on you and your needs, not just making money.
Small Business, Big Heart
Local shop owners take pride in what they do, and that often comes across in the way they treat their customers. Whether it’s remembering your favorite type of coffee or suggesting the perfect gift, the level of care and attention you receive is second to none. To the big-box stores, you’re just a number, and all they really care about is their profits.
4. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Did you know that shopping locally can help the environment? When you buy from nearby businesses, you’re cutting down on the transportation needed to get products to you. Less shipping means fewer carbon emissions, and in a time when we’re all looking for ways to be more eco-friendly, this is a major win.
Farmers' markets are a great example of this. The fruits and vegetables you buy are typically grown just a few miles away. Compare that to the produce at chain supermarkets, which might have traveled thousands of miles before reaching the shelf. Locally sourced goods = less energy consumption.
And if you do at least some of your shopping through WWmalls, you reduce traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions by letting WWmalls’ drivers pick up what you need from local stores and deliver it to you personally.
5. Support Local Artisans and Entrepreneurs
When you buy locally, you’re supporting real people—your neighbors. Small business owners are often passionate about their work. These aren’t faceless corporations; they’re real people trying to make a living doing something they love.
Take my friend Tasha, for example. She started her own candle-making business a few years ago. What began as a hobby in her kitchen has now grown into a thriving small business. Every time someone buys one of her candles, they’re directly contributing to her success. Shopping local helps small-scale entrepreneurs keep their dreams alive.
Conclusion: The Power of Shopping Local
Shopping local is about so much more than convenience. It’s about making a positive impact—on your community, your environment, and your fellow neighbors. Whether you’re picking up fresh veggies from the farmers' market, buying a unique gift from a local artisan, or grabbing your morning coffee from the corner café, every purchase counts.
So the next time you’re about to make a purchase, think local first. You’ll not only be supporting small businesses—you’ll be contributing to a healthier, happier community.
By choosing local, you’re not just a shopper—you’re a change-maker. So, what’s stopping you from exploring your local shops today? https://wwmalls.com is your SHOP LOCAL online shopping mall.
