From finding the best local produce to boosting the economy in your area, here’s 7 reasons why it’s good to shop local
1. Help to boost your local economy
Spending with small firms can double the money going back into the local economy, according to a major research study from the Federation of Small Businesses. The study found that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business (SME) 63p was re-spent in the local area compared to 40p in every £1 spent with a larger business. Shopping locally is going to help grow local wealth and prosperity.
2. Meet your community
Getting out and about will guarantee that you will meet people from the community and make you feel more involved – a positive boost for the mind and the soul. You are likely to find out about activities, social events and gatherings which is all great for a general sense of wellbeing, but you can keep up-to-date with local news, views and gossip!
3. More likely to get relevant advice
Whether you are shopping for fresh food, furniture or a gift, shop local and you will come face-to-face with the people who have worked direct with the suppliers (or grown it themselves) so they are likely to have more firsthand information about the product. Many local retailers will also be specialist in one product or service and that means they will have expert knowledge to share with you.
4. Better produce
Farm shops and local markets have more nutritious, wholesome and fresh produce and, in most cases, it will be organic. The quality of the food you purchase is dramatically improved, from the distance it has travelled to the way it has been transported.
5. Quirky and unusual
A local independent shop or boutique is more likely to have unique and individual accessories to browse through compared to larger chain stores – what better way to impress your family and friends than with a one-off feature in your home?
6. Healthier way to shop
You are likely to walk down to the local shops rather than drive or at the very least make a short journey in the car, therefore it is a healthier and an eco-friendly way to shop! Plus, you are less likely to stray away from your shopping list as you will be browsing for items in specialist shops – so there is less temptation to throw in things you don’t need.
7. It’s more ethical
Buying out-of-season produce is not so great for the environment because of the way it has to be imported from countries which have better weather in winter. You’ll mostly find in-season, organic produce at farms shops. Secondly, you’ll find a much eco-friendlier approach to packaging at local independent retailers making it a much more ethical way to shop.
