Small Business Needs To Be More Than Local
As we head into 2021 Shop Local messaging is more prevalent than ever. Spending trends evolved long ago from the “mom and pop” shops of yesterday to the big box stores and chains of today. The COVID-19 pandemic and economic regulations have ravaged the economy. This crisis continues to threaten the survival of small independent businesses that operate on small margins with relatively fewer resources. In response to the pandemic Shop Local rhetoric has become more regular… or at least louder. Government at all levels has jumped on board with local organizations to encourage everyone to Shop Local.
Why Shop Local?
Local dollars do really matter. More money stays in your local economy when spent at a locally owned business versus a national chain; data suggests it’s $20-30 greater per $100 spent. More of your locally spent dollars stay in your community due to the local employee base and the company’s local supply chain. Local independent businesses are also more likely to support the community at every level. A single location business will adapt what they offer according to local preferences, rather than try to satisfy a wide-range of customer tastes across a national chain. Independently owned businesses are truly invested in their local neighborhoods.
Being Local Isn’t Enough…
Independent, local businesses still need to EARN the support of their community. Shop Local messaging is largely one-sided, directed at consumers. Businesses need to do their part. In any business the people, the product, and their actions can and should drive business. Businesses should have principles that they can reference and work from. For my business it’s passion for craft, quality everything, authenticity, and community connection. My actions and my words need to always reflect these principles.
Now more than ever (or at least more than in recent decades) people want to support local, independent businesses. If you are a business owner give them a reason to come to you. Earn that support.
