There are many reasons why you may choose certain places to shop, such as parking or more product options. However, shopping locally can impact so much more than our wallets. From simple reasons like convenience to ones that affect the environment and local economy, here are 10 of the most impactful reasons to shop local and how it benefits you and the world around you.
Why shop local?
The pandemic has changed the way people shop and think about shopping, with many of us now more conscious about the decisions we make on spending and travel. In today’s society, how we approach shopping is ever-changing, but the benefits of shopping local remain the same:
1. It’s convenient
Convenience plays a huge part in our lives. After all, how easy is it to just ‘pop to the shop’ when it’s within walking distance? Today, many people opt to shop locally because of its proximity to home. But shopping at SPANA is the perfect alternative for those who can’t leave their house or simply don’t want to. It provides the benefits of local shopping without the downsides of purchasing at large online retailers.
2. It’s better for the environment by helping reduce your carbon footprint
Most people are conscious about their environmental impact, whether trying to limit their single-use plastic, travelling more ethically or avoiding driving when they can. For this reason, shopping locally and more sustainably is perfectly suited for those being mindful of their environmental impact. However, not everyone has the luxury of visiting an actual store. Where this is the case, online shops, such as SPANA, whose goals support the planet, sustainability, and local communities, can be the ideal alternative.
3. You help support local businesses
This is one of the most important reasons to shop local. Independent businesses and charities have been hit hard by the pandemic. As a result, many enterprises have struggled to keep afloat or find new ways to service customers and support causes. Buying from a local business or charity shop, whether from a market stall, an actual shop or an online shop, is a great way to support them both financially and figuratively by showing you love what they do. This means they’ll be able to continue doing the great work that they do.
4. You invest in your community
Of course, shopping in a local business helps it financially, but it also supports the wider local economy and community. It’s an excellent opportunity to see new businesses continue to open and prosper within the neighbourhood. In turn, thriving independent businesses can help boost the prices of homes and properties within the area.
5. It helps create demand for local jobs
In addition to investing in your community, you can also help improve employment rates within the area by using local shops. Local businesses often provide a large number of jobs to communities, and, in some cases, can even be someone’s first workplace to help kick-start their career. As the business grows, so too will the employment opportunities and local economy.
6. There are great deals to be found
Local shops rely on footfall from local people. Smaller independent shops are likely to have fewer people visiting and shopping with them than more prominent mainstream brands. This means they often have to create deals that help bring in customers. This is something that larger shops might not necessarily do, resulting in a win-win for both customers looking to make a purchase and the business itself.
7. You’re likely to find quality products
Local shops and businesses may not always be able to compete with larger chain stores and brands in terms of advertising. However, unlike larger stores that have to stock many products, local businesses are more likely to focus on the quality of the things they sell rather than the quantity. Our range of products are made to the highest quality, so you know that you and your loved ones are receiving something premium, special and made to last.
8. Items and food are more likely to be sustainably sourced
Unfortunately, high demand for resources and global warming have had a profound effect on the world. But if we want the same products to be around for future generations, we need to think more ethically in our day-to-day life. Regardless of whether you’re looking for something for kids, gifts for the home or food and drink items, sustainability goes a long way. Many local shops pride themselves on sourcing food and products using more responsible practices. We’re no different, ensuring our cards and gifts are responsibly sourced and come from sustainable suppliers.
9. There’s more chance of finding the weird, wonderful and quirky
Big brands usually follow a pattern of selling mass-created, trending seasonal products, whereas local and independent shops stock items that are traditionally made more locally and not available anywhere else. Whether it’s the pattern, design or the flavours of the product, its uniqueness means there is very little chance you’ll find it elsewhere. Take a look at the SPANA shop and our collection of original and unique gifts that you won’t find at major retailers.
10. You make more thoughtful purchases
It’s very easy to buy products on impulse. One of the many benefits of shopping local is that it makes you more conscious of your purchasing. Say you’re looking to buy someone a special gift. Shopping locally and buying something only that store sells takes more thought than getting a gift from a major retailer. It’s unique, personal, and the chances are you’d be the first to give it to them. Additionally, you are less likely to end up buying things you never set out to purchase in the first place.
However, not everyone has the luxury of shopping locally within their area, as some shops may just be further afield and require you to travel. Luckily, there are some places online that have many of the benefits of shopping local. The SPANA shop has an array of responsibly-sourced products, such as sweet treats and products for pets, with 100% of profits made going to help working animals. Visit the SPANA shop today.
