Hometown Heroes: Why You Should Support Local Businesses

Mom-and-Pop shops are the backbone of your community, but they’re often overlooked in favor of big box stores. These five reasons on why you should support small businesses will have you eagerly ditching big chain stores in favor of the hidden gems and local shops of your hometown.

Maintain your community’s character

Strip malls and big department stores can be an eyesore and they add little character to your beautiful hometown. Local businesses, however, are full of personality and infuse your town with spirit. Nobody understands your town’s culture and character better than its own residents, and supporting local businesses is a great way to help your town’s character shine through.

Support local jobs

By supporting local businesses, you are helping provide your fellow community members with more job opportunities closer to home. Additionally, many local businesses use the services of other local establishments in the area, such as banks and printers. This partnership between these businesses helps job seekers in your town easily network and find a great job within the community.

Improve local economy

As we’ve mentioned, local businesses tend to support other local businesses. When you shop at these places, there is a larger chance that that money will stay within your community rather than end up in a big box store’s headquarters across the country. Local businesses are also more likely to donate to local non-profits and charities, supporting and enriching the community even further.

Purchase unique products

Most products at big box stores are mass produced; these chains manufacture their products in factories or on assembly lines. Products from local businesses, on the other hand, are often handmade by residential artists and fellow community members. These handmade products reflect the experiences and people of your hometown and are more unique than anything you could find at a big box store.

Receive personalized customer service

If you’re still wondering why you should support local businesses, simply take a stroll down your town’s main street and stop into some of the stores. When you’re met with a friendly greeting by the store owner you’ll never reconsider shopping locally again. Local business owners are more likely to get to know their customers on a personal level and will strive to provide the best possible customer service for fellow community members.