Why Local?

A phrase you may have heard recently is “shop local or support local”. But what does supporting local actually do and what is considered local. After a little bit of digging I found that a local business is an establishment that sells goods and services to a local population. Meaning that a local business could be a corporation or just a small moms and pops shop. A small local business is described as an establishment that sells to a local population and has 100 paid employees or fewer. But of course when people say support local they are more often referring to a business that is locally owned, serves the local population and has 100 employees or less. 

Contributing to a small business will not only enhance your business but it will enhance your community. A local business compared to a corporation contributes…

1. Local Economic Growth 

Buying from a locally owned business contributes to other local businesses within the community. For every $100 you spend at local businesses, $68 will stay in the community. This enriches a community and creates a better maintained neighbourhood . 

2. Jobs

Local businesses are one of the largest employers nationally. Additionally small businesses are now helping reduce pollution by providing jobs that are of walking distance from . Small businesses employ 77 million Americans and accounted for 65% of all new jobs over the past 17 years.

3. Reduction in green houses gases 

Generally because local businesses are reaching out to other local businesses they have a smaller carbon footprint. 

4. Accountability 

A locally owned business feels more connected to their community therefore they hold themselves to a higher standard. Resulting in them donating more to non-profits.  

For individuals local business provide…..

1. A Unique shopping experience 

 When shopping at a mall you have no idea who actually designed or made what you are purchasing. On the other hand when you shop locally you know who is directly behind the product. Additionally you are aware of what you are contributing to as well. This creates a special connection that will ultimately leave you feeling good inside and want you to come back.

2. Better Service 

A local business usually also means better service. Your neighbours generally have to keep interactions pleasant because you live right beside each other. Local businesses make more of an effort trying to keep things pleasant because they are your neighbours and they are essentially your community. 

Additionally locally owned businesses generally have the owners in house more often. Therefore you are able to receive expert knowledge of the products and services a lot quicker. 

3. Better Products

You wouldn’t recommend a friend a product that is bad the same with a local business. Local businesses focus on product differentiation and quality to separate themselves from the market. The market driver for local business is generally what makes them unique which is their product and experience. 

At TableSpace we live local. At the front of our building we have a shop run by The Locals. This company has provided a platform where all local businesses can come together to sell their products, and be a place for supporters to find them.