How shopping local helps shape your community

As the season for gift-giving nears, it’s time to start thinking about your holiday shopping plans. And while it’s easy to be sucked in by all the sales you’ll see, you might want to consider a fantastic alternative for your purchases this year. 

Shop local!

Here’s why it’s nice:

You’re helping stimulate your local economy.

We often don’t realize the difference the smallest of our decisions can make. When you choose to spend your money in your own hometown, you’re actually helping create new jobs in that area—and promote tourism. It’s like a domino effect. The more money people are spending in a particular area, the more businesses open up in that part of town—leading to more people visiting and the creation of jobs not only in those new businesses, but in those that supply, protect, and serve them as well. 

All of which means more employment, which means more people with jobs putting their money back into their neighborhood’s pocket. Approximately $68 out of every $100 spent locally is reinvested in the area, versus just over $40 with a larger retailer. And local sales tax also puts our dollars back into physically and socially bettering our community. As the cycle continues, we’re better equipped to survive economic downturns and strengthen our area to the point that it thrives.

You’re also reducing the carbon footprint—unburdening the environment.

Another plus when we support local establishments is that they too look to other vendors in the area for the goods and materials they need to run their businesses. And by them shopping locally too, they’re eliminating the need for additional packaging and extensive transportation—two of the major factors contributing to pollution and environmental harm. So, while they’re saving time and money—keeping costs lower for us—the greatest benefit of shopping and sourcing from within our own community is one that greatly impacts us all. 

If that’s not enough for you, here are a few more facts to get you thinking about where to spend your money:

Your purchases get personal.  

Often times, you’ll gain a totally new perspective on customer service. Purchasing from local merchants gives you a rare—and underrated—shopping experience because you’ll get a chance to “meet your maker” and gain a greater appreciation for what you’re spending your hard-earned dollars on. Additionally, more than 90% of small business owners personally create, partner up with, or donate to charities and non-profit organizations—doing good on a deeper level by supporting local causes and those in need within the community.

“As a small business, you put yourself into every detail of what you make, what you choose and how you present it.  When someone shops from you it’s so rewarding! You feel as if you’ve connected with them because they understood and appreciated your vision.” -Aida Sabina of Trinkets for D.

When asked why she supports businesses like Wynwood Shop, Maura says, “No matter how inexpensive your purchase, the ability to be face-to-face with the people behind the products you love is invaluable. It adds appreciation for craftsmanship and ingenuity, and the inextricable value of knowing you’re buying something that came from someone’s hard-working hands—not just off some assembly line, or from an exploitative factory somewhere across the world.” 

You inspire more amazing people—and maybe even get inspired yourself.

When you look at it that way, you become something greater than an everyday consumer. You become a collaborator and a driving force. Because with the opportunity to get to know a brand and the people behind it, you’ll likely learn the “why” behind their business and products too. This sparks engagement, loyalty and more recognition for the brand, designer, or artist. And when you get to that level of connection, sometimes you just can’t help but become a supporter, an activist, a contributor, an inspiration, a friend—sometimes even an entrepreneur yourself. And by supporting the people who make the things you like to see in the world, they get to do more of it. Fueling innovation by encouraging others who have amazing things to offer to get out there and start doing so too.  

So you see, "Buy Local" is much more than a happy-go-lucky philosophy. It’s a smart move with a major ripple effect that can make a substantial difference in the well-being of your community. Give it a go this holiday season. Your loved ones, your town, and your conscience will thank you for it, guaranteed. 

The 30^th of November is the annual American Express Small Business Saturday—a day between Black Friday and Cyber Monday that allows us to support and recognize small businesses in our town. As always, Wynwood Shop will be showcasing unique pieces, so make sure to join us to show your love to local brands and artists. Remember, when you buy local, and you'll be giving your entire community—and yourself—a gift.