1. Reduce your carbon footprint

Shopping local is a more sustainable option as it reduces your carbon footprint. This reduction is due to the shorter supply chain from the manufacturer to the retail store.

Often local stores sell products that are produced locally which shortens the supply chain as well. Shoppers who shop in their local community experience a reduction of driving kilometres by 26% which reduces their carbon footprint significantly. Often small businesses utilise carbon offsetting for their shipments and reuse packaging as well. Recyclable and compostable packaging is available for businesses to use so look out for this when you are shopping both online and instore.

2. Support your local community

One of the most important reasons to shop local is to support independent businesses and to help someone support their family directly. Many businesses have really struggled in the last few years and local businesses and families could use your support more than ever. By buying from them you are supporting them financially and figuratively by showing that you love what they do.

3. Invest in your local community

You are not only supporting the business but you are indirectly supporting the wider community and local economy. Did you know that for every $100 spent in a local community $68 is recirculated within the local economy. However, when shopping with a big box store only $43 remains in the community.

4. Creates demand for local jobs

By shopping local, you are improving the employment rates and providing jobs for locals. As their business grows the local economy and employment opportunities grow with them. According to the Australian Treasurer, small businesses (15 people or less) provide 46% of the total employment in the private sector. This is the same for both e-commerce and physical retailers as both stores must employ locals and therefore stimulate the local economy.

5. Higher quality products

Local businesses are more likely to focus on the quality of their items rather than stocking huge quantities of a product. This means that the product will last longer and you will not have to replace it as fast as you may have to when purchasing something from a big-box retailer.

Small retailers care about their supply chain and often know where their items are manufactured and what conditions the workers work in. This personal touch allows the shopper to know more about the product and trust the quality of the items. As well as feeling good about the conditions of the workers.

6. Items are more likely to be sustainably sourced

Ethical shopping is critical to fighting the climate crisis. Shopping local often means that the products are locally sourced from responsible and sustainable suppliers. This is because they are commonly produced in smaller batches increasing the quality and sustainability of the items.

A retail industry survey has found that 69% of Australian shoppers purchase from a brand because of their social impact initiatives. 71% of shoppers stated that they would shop more frequently from these brands because of the positive impact they are making. Shoppers want to feel good about their buying habits.

7. Unique products

Shopping locally allows you to come across potentially unique and quirky products. Not everyone wants the same homeware items that all of their friends already have. Shopping with independent suppliers allows you to find something special and unique for your home.

8. More personal

Independent businesses are operated by real people, not boards or shareholders that you will never put a face to. Often the businesses are family-run and will have interesting stories about the products or the history of the area in which they are located. Online retailers will often proudly display where they are located and provide some information about the history of the business and/or the local area. This personal  touch is something that cannot be matched by a big box store.

9. Great customer service

Shopping local often means that you will get a better customer service experience. Local businesses know the importance of superb customer service and want their customers to come back to them. Often larger chain stores are not as invested in their customer service as they already have 1,000’s of customers and therefore won’t give the same quality experience as a small business will.

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