Now that the holiday season is in full swing, you probably have shopping on your mind. And while you may be tempted by sales flyers or deals from big box retailers (national chain stores), it’s important to consider shopping at locally owned stores whenever possible.
There are significant benefits for both the local economy and the environment when we choose to shop locally. Explore our top five benefits in this blog curated by Mercer Savings Bank.
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Discover 5 Benefits of Shopping Locally Over the Holidays
1. Sustain the local job market.
Did you know that nearly half of all employees in the U.S. work for a small business? Small businesses have created nearly 13 million new jobs over the last 25 years. When you shop locally, you are helping to sustain existing jobs and create new ones right in our community.
2. Help the environment.
By shopping at local retailers, you can help cut down on pollution often caused by packaging and transportation. Local, independent shops are also more likely to use recycled materials, further reducing environmental waste.
3. Put money back into the community.
When you shop at stores owned by residents of area counties, like Mercer County and Darke County, you aren’t lining the pockets of CEOs and executives on the other side of the country. Instead, you are putting money back into the hands of your friends and neighbors, helping to sustain the local economy.
According to the Huffington Post, spending $100 at a local business nets $68 in economic activity, compared to spending $100 at a big box retailer, which nets only $48 in local economic activity.
Related: Shop Safely This Holiday Season: A Common Sense Guide >>
4. More support to local non-profits.
Local community groups benefit when we shop locally, too, as local businesses tend to provide greater support for area non-profits than large corporations without community ties.
5. Take advantage of great deals!
Sure, the big chain retailer offers a great deal on that item you want, but you can also find competitive pricing at your local retailer in our community. In addition to providing excellent pricing on products, your local retailers can offer a level of service you may not get by going with a national chain.
Mercer County and Darke County have a wide variety of local businesses. Visit each of the following websites to learn more and find local retailers nearby.
- Darke County Chamber of Commerce
- Darke County Visitors Bureau
- Main Street Greenville
- Mercer County Chamber of Commerce
- Discover Celina – City of Celina
- Downtown Celina Facebook Page
Consider Mercer Savings Bank for Your Banking Needs
Mercer Savings Bank has been a trusted community resource for over 130 years. To learn why our customers love to both shop and bank local, contact us online today, or visit any of our branches in Celina, Ft. Recovery, or Greenville.