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Shop and buy Locally

Posted by Randy Anderson on Dec. 21, 2008

 A friend of mine suggested that I write this blog post and she makes a good point - Shop and buy locally!

Why??

Because more of the money spent in Wauwatosa at locally owned shops will stay in Wauwatosa!!

Here is some info, alot of which is from amiba.net  ( American Independent Business Alliance )  By the way, if you are among those who mourn the loss of Drews, it is a prime example of a smaller, independent business being displaced. They simply couldn't compete against the big box retailers any longer ... thus we now have a HUGE vacancy ( and eyesore) in the Village. A palpable and real, yet unmeasurable loss, to the community.

People will naturally choose to do business where they perceive the best value. But those perceptions are only as valid as the information that goes into creating them.  Keep in mind mass retailers have the benefit of large advertising budgets and national marketing campaigns.  A local business may employ marketing professionals from their own community. Additionally they may hire architects, artisans, cabinet shops, sign makers, accountants, insurance agents, and attorneys from their local pool of professional support.  For every $100 spent in a Big Box store $13 remains in the community, compared to $45 for a locally business. Independents don't ask for tax incentives or typically cause an increase of taxpayer dollars spent on safety and services.

Another potential mis-perception may be that of less selection available with a local business.  True, however, a multitude of independent retailers will not only provide great diversity but they will also ensure our freedom of choice is not imperiled. As fewer large retailers dominate the marketplace with their choices for everything from reading materials and music, to gifts and clothing, will be what is available to the consumer. I find that disturbing.

People need to keep in mind when they are spending their dollars, who makes the list in their community's "Best of" polls?  If you name your favorite restaurant or shop, isn't it frequently a unique local business? Who is providing charitable donations to local sports teams, booster clubs, and underfunded community service groups? Small business owners are invested in the long-term health of their community, but people frequently forget their survival depends on patronage. Big Box stores are not!!

So frequent locally owned businesses like Cranky Al's, John's Sandwich Shop, and Jilly and George in the Village - So Shop and buy from locally owned businesses.

Hey that is just "MY TWO CENTS"