Shop Local

Shop Local in Your Community

I bet you didn’t know...

1. Local Drives the Economy: When you buy goods and services from locally owned or franchised businesses rather than big box stores, more money stays and circulates in the community. Local supply chains are strengthened because small businesses usually source materials and services from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Having a strong local business community also helps grow the local tax base.

2. Donations and Financial Support for Local Activities Occur: local business owners are far more likely to support the local hockey or swim team, scout club or community garden than non-local owners. Local business owners are invested in their whole community not just the revenue from each transaction.

3. Independent Businesses bring Unique Qualities: The variety, selection and charm that comes through a diverse offering of goods and services is most often the result of having unique, independently owned businesses. Studies have shown that residents like having different options to chose from and that people are more satisfied with where they live. The character and charm of economic health through diversity of product also helps maintain property values.

4. Kinder for the Environment: Typically, small local business open stores in the downtown core. These locations are providing a centralized variety that is much friendlier to a community’s walk score than out of town shopping malls. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

5. Help to Support Local Jobs: All across the country, small locally owned businesses are actually the largest employers in Canada. The more employment opportunities there are in our community the less time in traffic which is better for our environment and our wallets.

6. You’ll Get Better Customer Service: It is often the business owner themselves that helps you with your purchase. That same business owner often hires people that have a specific passion or expertise which gives a better customer experience.

7. Local Business Owners have a Stake in the Success of their Community: Local businesses are owned by people who live, work, play and vote in their community. They own property, typically have families that go to schools, play sports and want a high quality of life. They want their communities to succeed.

8. They don’t ask for much but give a lot: Local businesses typically have their businesses in existing commercial districts or renovated spaces. Unlike most chain stores, local business owners are using and enhancing existing commercial space rather than building new buildings outside of the traditional business areas.

9. More Businesses Translates into More Choices: A community that has thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure a diverse, healthy, price competitive environment that is more resistant to the ups and downs of the economy.

10. You have Value: The phrase “voting with your wallet” actually applies in our community. When you build a relationship with a local retailer or service provider they will work harder and be more open to sourcing out the things you are looking for. Big box stores can’t be as nimble or attentive to your needs.

Think locally, act locally!

The City of Kawartha Lakes is proud to support
GoCanadaUnited – a movement to show local
businesses some love. Visit GoCanadaUnited.ca
for more information.