Published: Thursday, 23 February 2023
Written by Ciara Evans, Communications Student Assistant
It was all the rage to shop small businesses back in 2020 and now it's time to keep the momentum going! If the small business trend didn’t convince you to shop locally, here are five reasons why you should keep your wallet local:
1. Economic Stimulus
When you shop locally, you invest in the community. Money circulates within the city, town or village you purchase from, ultimately allowing for the district to grow and thrive. From public services to personal prosperity, shopping locally allows for greater economic returns!
2. Employment Advancement
Shopping locally is linked to increasing incomes, while decreasing inequality. According to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, “studies show that locally owned businesses employ more people per unit of sales and retain more employees during economic downturns” (Mitchell, 2022). Local employers are more likely to recruit domestic employees, fundamentally investing in the welfare and future of a community.
3. Reduces Carbon Impact
Having to take the extra trip to grab groceries via car may seem fine once a week; however, its harmful impacts add up in the long run. When you shop locally, it translates to local employment, decreased commutes, less traffic congestion and an overall steady decline in fuel consumption. In addition, most local businesses pride themselves on selling fresh, organic and pesticide-free food; generally beneficial to the health of the customer, employer and environment!
4. Encourages Community
Shopping at small businesses leads to job creation, creativity and overall social well-being. From the Stroope et al. study “College Graduates, Local Retailers, and Community Belonging in the United States” evidence shows that “when counties cooperate together in order to protect and promote a broad localized retail climate from the ground up, they may also retain more of their highly educated and skilled residents.” Whether supporting a retail shop or a restaurant start-up, a sense of community forms when people band together, fundamentally contributing to a strong neighborhood!
5. Personal Benefits
Through buying fresh produce, creating connections, influencing where your money is spent and overall investing in your community, the personal benefits of shopping locally far outweigh the possible cons.
While the benefits of shopping locally are evident, finding small businesses in a busy city can seem nearly impossible. Which is why ASI is here to point you in the right direction! In honor of Black History Month, here are some local black-owned businesses you should definitely check out:
For a quick afternoon tea session, hit up Chado Tea. This business combines Fijian and Indian cultures to create a delectable tea experience. If tea is not your go to, then 2nd Healthy Eatery is sure to serve. This black-woman-owned storefront in Long Beach is taking “conscious eating” to a whole new level and mixing healthy with the yummy is Wanda’s specialty. Got room for dessert? Then head on over to Doll Babee Cheesecakes to get a “taste of heaven” with homemade cheesecakes. What started out as a son immortalizing his mother’s love, is now a booming business for all to enjoy. If you can't stomach another meal, make sure to wind down from your food coma with Shades of Afrika. From holistic herbs to essential oils, your self-care routine will never be the same!
In addition, you can’t get more local than ASI’s weekly Farmer’s Market! Grab your reusable shopping bag and be prepared to purchase fresh produce, lunch goodies and local merchandise! You won’t want to miss out on these regular events, every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! Visit asicsulb.org/calendar for more information.
