The National Retail Federation estimates holiday sales this year could be $586 billion. Wouldn’t it be great if lots of those dollars stayed in the Kansas City area and boosted our local economies?
Why Buy Local? Because every dollar that stays in our community makes a difference in our community.
Did you know?
•An average of 45 percent of money spent in independent, local shops stays in our local
economy. Compare that to just 13 percent of money spent at national retailers.
• If the people of an average American city were to shift just 10 percent of their spending
from chains to local businesses, it would bring an additional $235 million per year to that community’s economy.
Here are a few reasons to think, eat, shop, and buy local.
• More money is kept in the community because locally owned businesses tend to purchase more often from other local businesses. It also contributes to our tax base—and to city services. A study in Austin, Texas, found that $100 spent at a local bookstore produced $45 worth of local economic activity compared to just $13 at a national retailer.
• Nonprofits receive greater support: local business owners tend to donate more to local charities than non-local owners.
• Unique businesses create character and prosperity.
• Environmental impact is reduced. Before it reaches a store, most food in the U.S. is picked up a week in advance. Your carrot traveled 1,838 miles to become part of your meal. And because local businesses usually set up shop in town centers rather than on the fringe, they contribute less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
• Most new jobs are supplied by local business. Check out the converse: National chains often bring loss of employment. The opening of a major big box retailer reduced retail employment by an average of 150 jobs in the county of its location.
Check out www.kcsourcelink.com/shop-local for more information about the “shop local” movement. Encourage, inspire (cajole and pressure) your friends, family, and co-workers to choose Brookside, Waldo, and Southtown stores/services for their holiday shopping! (Article adapted from KCSourcelink)