Sunday, October 27, 2013
Why Shop Local; a healthy economy.
As a alpaca farmer, mill owner/operator, and store owner we try to keep our spending to any and all local businesses who offer solutions to our needs, what ever they my be. We promote "shop local, shop handmade, support your local artist". Our mind set is that if we spend our money locally the locals will have monies to shop in our store to fulfill their needs. Great idea right. But why is it so important???
Lets look at fund raisers. The local school, fire company, animal shelter, or anyone who is having a event to help anyone locally who has fallen upon hard times come to the local businesses for products to auction, or donations of cash to reach their goal. Owning a store on main street USA it is our duty to help our neighbors. After all they are the people who come when we need help, they are our children, and they are the people we see in church or the diner when we go out to eat.
When a small business or artist gives a cash gift or a product to a fund raiser it may only be, let's say $40, $40 is a greater % of their income than if a major chain store gave $40. There are some days where $40 may be the total sales of a local business or artist doing a show. Yet we are the ones who carry the load of local fund raisers. No complaining here, just stating facts.
Local businesses or artists are living solely on their daily income. Putting food on their tables, their children through school, or giving that extra in the Sunday basket for the ones in need. It takes each and every one of us to make a community work. So the next time you need a gift, supplies for your next project, or just something neat to make your décor look good please seek out a local shop, a local artist, or that community festival you read about in the local paper.