It’s
possible that you have seen the ads on T.V. and in print about shopping at
local businesses, start-ups and Mom & Pop stores and have changed the usual
way of doing business- you know, looking stuff up on Amazon or E-Bay for the
cheapest price on over-advertised products. Old habits die hard so I’m writing a
bit tongue-in-cheek but very serious about this new and important
trend. My thoughts are along the order of the salvation of the American
economy. It’s not just about shopping for products made in America-
although that’s also important don’t get me wrong! It’s just as
important that we recognize and shop smaller businesses because that’s where
the lifeblood of our economy and getting back on our financial feet is truly going
to happen. Statistics show that for every $100 spent at local small businesses,
$68 of that amount returns or stays within the community. This means that small
business owners are also supporting local, small businesses! That is a true
win/win situation that is guaranteed to help us restructure and keep our
communities strong financially.
If you shop at or work for big business
operations and national megastores this may come as a shock to you but that
business may not sell items made in America and therefore doesn’t
support the local economy. The revenue from the items sold will most likely
support only the corporate headquarters locality or somewhere other than your
own community. These stores are the reason that the buzzword ‘global’ has taken
on a life of its own. Going global doesn’t necessarily mean we are buying
products that are outsourced but too often they are where big business
is concerned and they wouldn’t be able to offer you the discounts they give without
outsourcing.
Independent small businesses take on many
forms in the shape of non-mall music stores, shoe shops or repair, florists, independent
bookstores, upstart coffee shops, resell fashion and small beauty salons. Size
isn’t our only difference. We get our products from producers and industry that
make these supplies in small batches or by hand, often, with obviously better
quality. We make up for size with quality, care and a personal touch that
cannot be replaced with speed, discounting or large quantity supplies. Innovative
ideas and techniques more often start as a small business than in a big box
test lab.
I am a person who loves to buy blank
books in which I hand write my diaries and journals. I like to buy handmade
blank books when I can. One time I found some beautifully handmade blank books
at a renaissance fair in Larkspur, CO and practically bought the proprietress
completely out. Each one is unique and I’ve never seen any others remotely like
them. Believe it or not I’ve filled every one of those books long since. (I’ve
been journaling since I was a pre-teen.) You should have seen this woman. I’m
sure that was a happy dance in the back of the stall. Other manufactured books
I’ve written in are falling apart and hers are still nearly indestructible
after all these years. This is just one illustration but I think I’ve made my
point.
The way we shop or receive services can
either make a difference as I’ve stated above or contribute to an economy that
no longer supports us. American Express has dedicated a web site to this shopping
phenomenon in hopes that it can aid not just the economy but the backbone of
all business in our country and around the world. Even the wealthiest of our
country, if we trace back their history, started out with modest businesses.
Hard work and dedication plus some very smart business strategy made them what
they are today- employers on a grand scale.
For this Christmas season I encourage you
to get out there and look for those shops that may be on a wing and a prayer
today but may eventually support half your town because you gave them the
opportunity over big box. You’ll also sleep better knowing that you are helping
your own community. That’s worth it right there.
Keep Calm and Shop Local !
The Castle Lady
