Use Local Independent Shops and Services
Why would you go to a small local shop to buy your fruit and veg? Especially when you could go to your nearest supermarket and get everything you need in one place? Why use the local mechanic to maintain your car when you could book online to the nearest generic car service centre?
Lets look at the benefits of using locally owned and independent businesses.
Shops, Services and your Community
Almost all independent businesses are run by people and not by boards, shareholders or by algorithms. This means that you will get a different kind of care and quality from their service because their work is a reflection of themselves. They will be focusing on you and being the best they can be.
By using the local you will be supporting those in your area and will be adding value to your community, keeping your money working for people in your region and not lining the pockets of possibly overseas board members. This will in turn lead to more opportunities for local businesses and employment to grow. Many independent companies use other independent shops or services this helps grow other businesses as well as the local tax base.
Small businesses represent the creative consciousness. They can contribute to the local identity of your area. This is because they are not just in your community but are a part of it. Adding to it being an active, beneficial member of your town, village or city. Use them to show your support and respect. After all it takes a lot of courage, time, effort and skill to run and grow a local business.
Feel good. When people in your neighbourhood work hard to make something that reflects the local need or identity and you choose to buy something, take a class or use their service you are directly helping them achieve their dreams. All of that gets paid back to the community and strengthens it. You get to be a contributor to the realisation of someone else’s dream. Even if that dream is to have enough to pay the bills and enjoy the occasional Rosé.
When talking about produce, a lot of the time, that fruit was farmed locally and picked within that week. Making it super fresh. When you buy local, most of what is being sold have limited or no packaging. This helps to reduce the amount of plastic being used, better for everyone on the planet. You will know where your food comes from and how it was grown, talk to your local shop owner about the history of the apple you just bought, they will know.
Want to learn more about the local, independent businesses and service providers in your area? Ask your friends, walk around your local town centre, go online and search (use duckduckgo instead of google to keep it independent) used social media websites and find local groups or pages to get or give recommendations.