Community Corner

Hilltop Bicycles Explains the Importance of Shopping Locally

The Cranford business provides a look at the importance of shopping locally.

The following information was provided by Hilltop Bicycles. 

The Importance of Doing Business Locally.

Small Business Saturday is November 30th - a day to celebrate and support small mom and pop retailers in a difficult economy. 

The movement also indirectly benefits you:
Local Character:

By supporting locally owned businesses in your neighborhood you help define the character of your community.  Oftentimes, the small business owner is a neighbor of yours and understands the needs and desires of the neighborhood.  

Community Growth and Prosperity:

Having a vibrant town center elevates your standard of living by keeping your neighborhood safe and clean while stabilizing your real estate property value at the same time.  

Jobs and Wages:

Locally owned businesses create jobs and usually pay more than chains or corporate owned stores. By creating jobs right where you live, your family, friends and neighbors find jobs closer to home cutting down on commute time and helping the environment at the same time. Studies show that large chain retail employees earn lower average wages and receive less generous benefits than small business counterparts. Plus for every two jobs created by a big box retailer, three jobs are usually lost.

Keeping Dollars in Local Economy:

When you buy from a locally owned independent merchant, that dollar spent is re-circulated, over and over, within the local economy and creates up to 75% more earned tax revenue for local and state government.  Independent businesses use their profits and buy products and services from other local businesses. When buying a product from an online retailer, the majority of that money leaves the local economy forever.

Better Choice:

The existence of multitudinous retailers or providers competing for your business results in more choices for you while keeping costs lower at the same time. Simply put, the more choices you have, the better deals you can find on the products or services you want most.

Quality of Product: 

Enjoying multiple retailer or provider choices also ensures that you will have the most options of higher quality goods or services.  In addition, local businesses understand the desires and needs of their customers, offering unique high-quality options that you won't find in national stores that force you into buying inferior high-margin items  

Customer Service and Attention:

It is often more enjoyable to shop at a locally owned small business because you probably know the people working there.

Local Non-Profits Get More Support:

Independently owned businesses have friends and children in the community. They donate more to local charities that directly benefit you, your children, your neighbors and your community.

It's FUN!:

Get up and get out! Strolling along your town center sidewalks is much more fun and rewarding than sitting in front of your computer screen.  You'll feel more connected to your community, may see some friends and neighbors, perhaps enjoy a relaxing lunch and will enjoy your day. Experience holiday cheer and you may just stumble across that perfect gift that Google couldn't find for you.


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