10 Ways Shopping Local Benefits Our Community

Domino Effect

When you buy local, you start the chain reaction of local purchases. The money comes from you, goes through the business owner, the business owner needs something and as long as the owner is able to shop local then the money stays local. Shopping local can help you sleep at night because you know you did good for your community. 

Reduce Environmental Impact

Technically you are reducing environmental impact by not driving as far for your needs i.e. Akron, Fairlawn, Belden even. If I had a dollar for everytime I heard "I don't want to go to Belden" I'd own two homes. Somebody is going because traffic is always nuts. 

Belden is still a part of Stark so we can't 💩 on it too much

New challenge - shop local only at Belden - good luck and it is possible.

Ordering Online is easy but if you can, order online through local businesses if you must order online at all. 

Taxes! Taxes Pay for Needs 

When used correctly, taxes pay to support the infrastructure of our community. The businesses that are within the taxing districts are the real MVPs because through them they are helping hold up our community. Buying Local = Local Taxes Paid

Attract More Businesses

Entrepreneurs are more likely to settle in a thriving community than a dead one. Evidence of locals supporting locals is a great selling factor for our community. 

Do Something For The Kids

Small businesses are much more likely to support youth groups and teams which is exactly the kind of funding these kids and groups need. 

Create Local Jobs

With more local demand, more jobs are created to meet that demand, hiring local people to work them. This creates a healthy cycle of money.

What you need or what you want?

Major Corporations are driven by what they want you to buy because they will profit greatly. A small business will typically have all sales = a profit. Local specialty stores like a hardware store are more likely to carry what you need. Most businesses have what Gab calls "Boomer Wisdom" you know the one guy that works there or owns the place that has been in the profession for 40 years and is a walking encyclopedia of just this topic. These are the kind of stores we need not like that scene from Parks & Rec. "I know More Than you"

Maybe it is exactly like that scene. We need the Nick Offerman of each trade running a shop in Stark County. 

Create Unique Communities

Every thriving local community has something unique to offer, shopping local will increase the likelihood of truly unique shops appearing.

Better Service - Highly Likely

Any small business that wants to keep doing business, is going to cater to your needs and likely be more knowledgeable about your needs than a minimum wage teen at a big box store. 

That is not an excuse to be a "Karen" type of customer but when a small business does right by you, leave them 5 stars on Google. It really helps. 

Attract Long Term Residents

When a local economy is thriving and stable residents move to our area instead of out! Businesses that settle here will likely stay as long as we the consumers do our part. Keep the money local and everyone will benefit.