Shop|Local Sandpoint Shop Local – The Benefits May Be More Than You Realize By Patty Hutchens
When one chooses to shop in his or her locally owned stores, they are not only saving themselves time by not travelling to other destinations, but they likely are also saving money. Traveling out of town for one’s shopping needs requires the cost of gas, time away from home or work and, depending upon where you go, could also mean a higher sales tax. If you are an Internet shopper, you may save time, but not always money. After all, those shipping costs can quickly add up. Why not make a conscious effort to do as much local shopping as possible? The benefits to you and your community are many. Small business owners are known for their contributions to the many non-profit agencies that in turn help our friends, neighbors and colleagues. In fact, statistics show those locally owned and operated stores are two and half times more likely to donate to non-profit agencies than the large chain stores. Small business owners are the ones who take the money they earn and reinvest it into their community with their own purchases of goods and services. Can the same be said for the “big box” stores? By shopping at locally owned stores you are not only helping to stimulate the local economy, but you may likely be helping other people in the community who rely upon several of our non-profits during the down times in their lives.
February 2014 | Sandpoint Living Local 29