One of my new year resolutions for this year was to shop local and, so far, so good. Less Amazon, more Joe’s next door. I saw myself ordering next-day delivery products too often, just because I could rather than truly needing them. Not only this but for the products I did need, I found the quality to be subpar. Ever since, I made the effort to try and shop local.
Instead of putting money into Jeff Bezos’s pockets, I’ve been putting money into the local businesses in my area, and I’ve felt really good about this change. Not only have I reduced my shopping habits but I have also been supporting small family-run businesses.
My favourite local business.
One of my favourite places in my area is Kent Blaxill, a family-run decorating centre, which has been around since 1838. I love browsing through their branches to get inspiration for my home, from browsing their kitchen showrooms to browsing the trending paint colours.
As Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs says, “What started as a small oil and glass business in the Colchester High Street has now grown to over twenty decorating centres across the East of England and the Midlands.” And it’s great to see the success of a local business!
Kent Blaxill supply all the materials and products you’d ever need to complete a home improvement project, from construction materials, such as cement and bricks, to glass, plumbing supplies and landscaping supplies. But it doesn’t stop there! No matter what you need, I’m sure you’ll find it there!
Reasons to shop local.
There are many reasons to shop local. To down the list, I’ve put together my top three reasons why you should buy from your local businesses.
- Support those in your community.
As this article on Metro Family Magazine explains, “Local businesses are less susceptible to national downturns and more likely to work harder to stay open.” Plus, local businesses are made of people who live in your community and, thus, also invest in the community whether with their time and/or money. So, it’s important to do the same.
- Improve your local economy.
Local businesses tend to shop with other local and/or national businesses, keeping money moving in our local economy. By supporting businesses within the community, you also allow them to grow and, in turn, create more jobs in your area.
- Find high quality products.
Many local businesses tend to focus on quality rather than quantity. As Spana comments, “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.”
In an age where we expect everything to be quick, sometimes it’s good to take a step back and slow down. At least, I’ve noticed a difference. I know that sometimes when you’ve been dreaming about a product, the one day delivery seems very tempting but… do you really need it straight away? Get good quality products from locals and help your local community by shopping local.
Do you often shop local?