by Rob Crocco
Keeping money in the community where you live makes sense. According to the Small Business Administration, there were 29.6 million small businesses in 2014. Only 19,000 of them were large businesses. After the recession, the number of small businesses continues to increase. Who’s in love with “big box” stores anyway? Here are six great reasons why we love when you buy local.
1. Money spent locally stays local.
Money spent at a local business stays in the local economy. An added bonus: it continues to strengthen our community’s economic base. How does this work? Local businesses purchase their vehicles from the local automobile dealer, who buys from a local hardware store, whose accountant is a local accountant, who sells their home through a local realtor, who purchases their groceries from the local grocery store, whose attorney is a local attorney, who gets their clothes cleaned at the local cleaners, who eats at the local restaurant, and has coffee at a local shop, who purchases their office supplies from a locally owned and operated business. The money turns over and stays in the community. See? Something to love.
2. Local owners are local contributors.
Local businesses are more apt to invest in the community. After all, they are your friends and neighbors. It’s also worth remembering that owners and employees of local businesses contribute to local causes and charities too. Studies have shown that three times as much money stays in a community when you buy goods and services from locally-owned businesses instead of large chain stores.
3. Local businesses offer stable employment.
Small businesses are the largest share of net new jobs generated each year. Besides, locally based businesses provide some of the most stable employment opportunities in a community. Who knew? Surprisingly, jobs from global corporations relative to the world’s workforce is small. The 200 largest corporations in the world employ less than one percent of the global workforce although they account for about 30 percent of global economic activity. The majority of job growth comes from local independent businesses.
4. Local ownership lessens environmental impact.
Small businesses have less impact on local ecosystems compared to larger retailers in strip malls or stand-alone buildings. To accommodate large retail development, roads and parking lots must be built, which results in a greater reliance on cars and an increase in auto emissions.
5. Tax revenue goes further.
Local businesses in town centers also require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services.
6. Independent businesses are unique.
Now it’s possible to get the same products with the addition of personal service, free delivery, and the satisfaction of supporting our own community. Now, that’s something to love. For us at RAM Discount Computer and Office Supplies, we like talking to our customers and helping them solve problems. Because we’re right here in Reno we can jump on a customer’s needs immediately. There are a lot of misconceptions. When it comes to buying from small businesses compared to corporate stores people often believe that shopping locally means pricing will be higher and inventory might not always be readily available. I’d like to discredit these myths. We proudly serve Reno, Sparks and beyond with all your computer and office supply needs.
Shopping locally not only supports our community, it also allows you to be on the receiving end of unbeatable customer service.
Rob Crocco is a member of the Reno Sparks Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, and an associate member of the business networking group, LeTip. Check out their website to learn more, visit ramdcs.com.
