THE IMPORTANCE OF BUYING LOCAL

There are many benefits of buying local, not just a Christmas time, but all year round. To put it simply - the money stays within the community which strengthens our local economy, creating jobs. Our local businesses are the backbone of a community and  support charity groups with donations and sporting sponsorships, so the community should show their support by shopping with them.

How can retailers combat or compete with online shopping?

Yes there’s convenience of online shopping, but retailers can do their part by offering great customer service and local advice, appealing visual displays, reward loyal customers, offer an easy return policy,  even place their local business online. Many consumers research their intended purchase before they buy, if you have an online presence that’s beneficial. There are still people who need to touch, see and feel a product before buying it. Online shopping can have it’s disadvantages too…..high cost of postage, returns policy can be difficult, foreign exchange rates on your credit card, your expectations can be disappointing when you actually receive your product. The list goes on.

How does buying local impact the community?

If every person in our region spent an extra $5 a week in the local community instead of online or elsewhere, it would add an extra 24 million dollars per year to our local economy.
That’s a huge positive impact! That could create 218  jobs, pay for new facilities, increase new development…making our area a better place to live and work right?

*Source Economy ID