Buy Local; Build Community

.

More Products, More Choice, Better Local Economy

I am sure that you have noticed that when shopping at the larger big-box, super chain stores, all the products offered are just about identicle. What one chain offers is the same internationally produced merchandise being sold at all the other big-box, chain stores. To find something unique, and of better quality, you need to search out an independent retailer, which you won't find at the mall.

Every mall is basically identical. A large super-market on one end with a large big-box store on the other. In between the two are the numerous franchise clones made up of mostly overpriced brand name apparel, shoes, jewelry, electronics etc. If you have been to one shopping mall; you have been to them all. Approximately 12% of these franchise stores will change operators each year, See: Truth About Franchising , making customer servicing a sceptacle reality at best. The stores may remain, the franchise holds the lease, but the operator (franchisee) changes.

There is far less freedom of choice when a few buyers from the national chains choose what reaches consumers. Those choices are almost always restricted to what is most profitable for the store and the availability of national bulk supply. Kick-backs are not uncommon. Independent retailers will search through competing goods and services to find those that appeal to their local customers individual tastes which allows for greater choice and diversity. Even though a single local shop may have a smaller selection than a big chain outlet, a multiplicity of independent retailers can create a greater opportunity for local manufacturers and suppliers to sell their wares and services and thus create more employment and wealth which adds to the local economy.

Municipal officials nationwide often succumb to the allure and political appeal of catering to national chains establishing in their community. They see promises of jobs and tax revenues, but all too often fail to consider the greater loss that occurs when the local business base is undermined. There are many nationwide examples of tax breaks and regulatory manipulations worth millions that are used to lure international corporations. Why should these businesses enjoy favors that our community-based businesses do not? It is time to ensure our municipal representatives make future decisions based only on full-cost accounting, and creation of a level playing field for local businesses; the chains already have enough laws rigged in their favor nationally.

Community goodwill and community character are two extremely important aspects for building identity and creating a vision for future prosperity. We must consider the real costs to a community when it's local business base loses out to the Big Box boys. Independent local businesses employ a vast array of support services. They are the ones who hire local architects, designers, cabinet shops, sign makers and contractors for construction and renovation. They are the ones who give opportunities for local accountants, insurance brokers, computer consultants, attorneys, advertising agencies and the many others who are required in merchandising operations. Local retailers and distributors also carry a much higher and varied percentage of locally-made goods than do the chains, and in doing so create more jobs for local producers. In contrast, chain stores typically are just a clones of their other units, which eliminates the need for local planning, and uses a minimum of local goods and services. In a company-owned store, the profits are promptly exported to corporate headquarters.

Small manufacturers rely on the local retailers to give their new products a chance, they are more free to take chances with the goods of a new manufacturer, or a product that is not part of a national sales plan. The local producers and small manufacturers and a wide variety of service industries have a clear stake in the nationwide health of local retailers. More directly, they are relying on the Canadian public for economic support.

Local business owners and shopkeepers, with much of their life savings invested in their endeavours, have a natural interest in the long-term health of the community. Community-based businesses are essential to charitable endeavors, frequently serving on local boards, and supporting a variety of causes. Yes, there are some corporate chains that give back to towns in which they do business, but anyone who raises funds for local non-profits will tell you that it is the independent local businesses that are their base of community support.

They are much deserving of our support in return.