'Tis the Season to Shop Local and Save Jobs
SILVER BELLS AND SILVER LININGS
There are many reasons to shop locally, but we think that you’ll agree that they all lead to one goal – keeping our local businesses, community, and environment healthy, prosperous, and vibrant.
Local businesses have done what they can to respond to the problems associated with the strike at Canada Post, but many have been hit hard. Small business industry groups are urging people not to rule them out during their holiday shopping.
The impacts of shopping local are far-reaching. Why support local? Money spent at a locally owned business stays in our economy. Local businesses not only pay their employees, but they also spend money at other local businesses. That means by buying local, you help create jobs for your friends and neighbors, contribute to improved public infrastructure, and invest in your community both socially and economically.
Here are five great reasons to support local:
You Support the Local Economy
A little really can go a long way. Small businesses make up more than half of the retail sector in Calgary at 62 per cent. At that amount, if every Calgarian were to spend just $10 per month locally this year, the city would see an additional 82 jobs along with a GDP increase of $8.3 million.
Your Money Stays in Calgary
Not only does a dollar go further when spent at a local level, it also keeps on giving. Because more revenue is ending up in the pockets of Calgarians, more money is recirculated within the city as well. And its no small difference – with local businesses, $58 out of every $100 earned ends up recirculating in the Calgary economy, compared to just $25 out of every $100 with national corporations. It’s a win-win for the whole neighbourhood when you think local.
It Helps Protect the Environment
Products grown and made nearby mean less time and resources are spent getting them to you and, in turn, less transportation emissions are associated with every purchase. This can be even more beneficial when thinking about local foods, which support area farmers. Check out what’s in season and consider buying fresh so you can feel good about your purchase and get a better product in the process.
You Get More Unique Goods
From boutique shops on 17th Ave S.W to eclectic wares discoverable throughout Inglewood, finding one-of-a-kind treasures isn’t uncommon when you shop locally.
You Support your Neighbourhood’s Identity
Neighbourhoods that have reached iconic status in Calgary can thank local businesses. Local businesses create a livable, thriving place for people, innovation, and creativity.
When spending more at your favourite spot isn’t an option, consider leaving a positive review for the places you love, following and tagging them on social media or subscribing to a newsletter. Offline word-of-mouth recommendations or recounting a great local experience can also have an exponential effect.
This holiday season, give a gift that makes a real difference: invest in your local economy, and help keep your neighbors employed and favourite businesses open. Be sure to spread the word on the joys of supporting local any way you can.
Follow this link to see how you can discover and support local businesses this holiday season:
Shop Local in Calgary – Connect to local businesses nearby | Buy Local
This Tip created with some content from Calgary Avenue Magazine