Why buy local? By choosing local and independent businesses, you not only enjoy a more personal experience, you help:

BUILD COMMUNITY
The casual encounters you enjoy at neighborhood–scale businesses and the public spaces around them build relationships and community cohesiveness. They’re the ultimate social networking sites!

STRENGTHEN YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY
Each dollar you spend at independent businesses returns 3X more money to your local economy than one spent at a chain (almost 50X more than buying from an online mega-retailer) — a benefit we all can bank on.

SHAPE OUR CHARACTER
Independent businesses help give your community its distinct personality.

YOU CAN BUY IT WHERE YOU TRY IT
Local stores enable you to try on and try out items before you buy — and get real expertise — saving your time and money.

CREATE A HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT
Independent, community-serving businesses are people-sized. They typically consume less land, carry more locally-made products, locate closer to residents and create less traffic and air pollution.

LOWER TAXES
Efficient land use and more central locations mean local businesses put less demand on our roads, sewers, and safety services. They also generate greater tax revenue per sales dollar. The bottom line: a larger percentage of local independent businesses keeps your taxes lower.

GET REAL VALUE FOR YOURSELF
Reader surveys by the Consumers Union repeatedly show independent businesses beating their chain competitors in overall customer satisfaction (and often save you money).

ENHANCE CHOICES
A wide variety of independent businesses, each serving their customers’ tastes, creates greater overall choice for all of us.

INCREASE WEALTH OF RESIDENTS
The multiplier effect created by spending locally generates lasting impact on the prosperity of local organizations and residents.

CREATE JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Not only do independent businesses employ more people directly per dollar of revenue, they are also the customers of local printers, accountants, wholesalers, farms, attorneys, etc., which in turn expands opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY
Small businesses donate more than twice as much per sales dollar to local non-profits, events, and teams compared to big businesses.

ENHANCE LOCAL DEMOCRACY
Local ownership of business means residents with roots in the community are involved in key development decisions that shape our lives and local environment.

ENHANCE HEALTH OF RESIDENTS
Research shows a strong correlation between the percentage of small locally-owned firms and various indicators of personal and community health and vitality.

Credit: American Independent Business Alliance | Article