Invest in Your Community: Shop Local

The shopping season is upon us. In light of this, I feel that it is appropriate to reprint with some revisions an article previously published in the Suite in November 2001.

We are being encouraged to shop. Get out and buy something. Get the economy rolling. Well I'm a bit concerned about just going out and buying something if you don't actually need it, but, if you are concerned about your community's economy and you've got the cash, then think about what you might need and then go shopping. After all, we are rapidly approaching a major shopping season. One thing that we all need, every day, is food. Here in Thunder Bay, it is the season for mitts, gloves, scarves, boots, parkas, toques and a wide array of Winter goods.

You don't have to shop at a big box retailer. You can purchase quality items from a locally owned and operated business. Locally owned shops are often one of a kind and offer unique items that you will not find in a big box outlet.

Shopping is more than just grabbing a bargain. Shopping is an investment. It is a political action. There are choices to be made and we can all, to varying degrees, make those choices.

If you buy goods from a locally owned and operated business, the money that you spend, stays within your community. It helps to create jobs. It works to build a safe and healthy environment. If you spend your money at a big box, most of it flies away. Your money leaves the community and does not create good paying, sustainable work.

So if you are worried about the local economy and the future,there is something that you can do.When you must shop, make sure you buy goods and services from a locally owned and operated business. The money you spend in locally owned and operated shops circulates longer within your community than money you spend in a big box retailer. This is known as the multiplier effect. Shop locally owned and independent and you make an investment in where you live.

When you buy from a community business, you can talk with the owner. When you do your shopping at a neighbour's store, you have an opportunity to influence the store owner's buying decisions. You can ask questions such as where does this item come from, you can take control of your purchases and use your shopping dollars to build a better world. You don't have to worry about products being produced in sweatshops, if you can talk with the store owner and let them know what you will and what you won't buy.

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