Supporting local independent retailers is a sure way to be certain money stays in the community. According to the Northwest Earth Institute’s Choices for Sustainable Living, “A dollar spent at a locally owned store is usually spent 6 to 15 times before it leaves the community. From $1, you create $5 to $14 in value within that community.” A profiting community isn’t the only benefit of supporting local brick and mortars, as job opportunities will also increase with sales. There are a number of ways to break the chain store habit and support local retailers. As of late, Main Street USA has seen some heroic efforts in bringing back local mom and pop retail.
The Unsung Heroes Supporting Local Independent Retailers
Alison Grappone has become a 31 year old entrepreneur overnight, by following the philosophy that you should do what you know best. After planning her wedding a short four years ago, Grappone became aware of the big store bias of gift registries. As The Telegraph reports, “Grappone and her husband wanted local gifts, from independent book shops and the community playhouse, or a share in a community supported agriculture program.” With the help of the Manchester Young Professional Network and its recent New Hampshire Start Up Challenge business plan competition, Grappone is $25,000 richer to help with the creation of a gift registry, dedicated to serving newlyweds interested in registering with local, independent businesses and nonprofits.
While some advocates, such as Grappone, take on the challenge of chain stores alone, there are instances of communal efforts such as the landlords, small business owners and residents of Malibu. Recently, the community met to present a proposal before the City Council demanding that local laws need to help local shops. As Malibu Patch reports, “A variety of proposals were made at the meeting, including ‘Buy Local’ campaigns, discount cards that customers can use for local shops and new city laws that would favor local businesses.” One thing everyone was able to agree on: buying from local businesses is the best bet for saving Main Street USA.