It can be difficult to be a mindful consumer during the busy Christmas and Boxing Day shopping periods. With lists of gifts to buy, plus everything you need for Christmas entertaining, it can be tempting to head to mega chain stores and straight for the easiest, cheapest option. But if you take the time to stop and think, buying locally has many long term benefits for you and your community. Here are 5 reasons to buy locally this Christmas.
1. Local Businesses Add Character to Your Neighbourhood
A thriving community often goes hand in hand with colourful and varied local businesses. Think of your favourite coffee shop or restaurant - is it a big chain or a hole-in-the-wall with a unique feel? Small local businesses are part of what makes your suburb or city feel like home - they are distinct and add a particular flavour to your community. By shopping at small local businesses, you help maintain this community character.
2. Invest in Your Community
When you buy locally, not only does it benefit the small business owner, but it benefits many other local businesses as well, since small businesses are likely to use other local providers such as suppliers, accountants, architects, etc. This can be crucial in creating local jobs and strengthening the economic base of your community.
3. Reduce Environmental Impact
Locally made or sourced produce usually requires less transportation than that of big chains, which significantly decreases the amount of carbon miles and the strain on the environment. Local business owners are also often more intimately involved with their supply chain, taking more responsibility and care for where and how their products are made. Better quality products, made in fair and environmentally responsible ways, means less landfill.
4. Diversity and Choice
While a small independent shop may have a smaller range than large chains, many independent retailers create a rich tapestry of products of varying tastes and prices. You are more likely to find unique gifts in an independent store compared to a major chain, where a few buyers purchase products for hundreds of stores across the country.
5. Quality and Relevance
When buying locally, you are also more likely to get a range tailored specifically to your neighbourhood, as business owners buy products based directly from local sales and customer feedback, rather than buying based on a national sales plan. You are also likely to get better quality and service, as small businesses pride themselves on being well-informed and passionate about their products. We look forward to assisting you at your local
Biome store!
Further Reading
