Keep Dollars in the Local Economy
Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community.
Why Buy Local?
What’s the big deal, you ask, about buying local? Well, YOU are! When you spend your money locally, YOU get to:
- Keep your hard-earned dollars working in the community where you live. Every dollar spent locally multiplies 3 to 5 times its original value by circulating through many hands. It’s an investment in the quality of your community. Click here to read the study.
- Ensure the unique goods (and services) YOU want are available—not just the thousands of cookie-cutter replications offered by the “big box” stores. You’re not a clone—why shop at one?
- Keep us GREEN! Keeping it local saves energy by reducing transportation pollution and the packaging needed to transport stuff long distances. When you walk or bike to a local business instead of driving to a big-box retailer, you just did something pro-active for the environment. When you buy anything locally-produced, you keep the environment cleaner by not needing something brought here in a big ol’ (often refrigerated) semi from hundreds (if not thousands) of miles away.
Make your money work for you!
When you spend your money locally, you help maintain Columbia’s diversity, and ensure that diversity is available when YOU need it. It keeps your city unique and colorful. Local business owners care about your satisfaction and value your opinions. They’re available to answer your questions about their products and business practices. You have the power to influence the shape of your community, and its future. And, buying local when you travel means you even get to help shape the global market!
Find other independent businesses across the country:
