How to Support Local Busineses
Hotel Indigo in Naperville, IL.
One of the best ways to support local business is by shopping local. What does that mean? It means buying products from local stores or online retailers, instead of those big-box chains.
It also includes eating out at restaurants, shopping at stores, and supporting the local economy through community events such as craft fairs or farmer's markets. Buying products from local businesses is a great way to support your community. These stores understand the community's needs and tend to help the community through fundraisers and local charities. On top of using WithYou to shop at local businesses in your area, check out a few key topics below:
What does local shopping mean and why is it important?
We want to support local businesses, but sometimes it's hard to do. Do you just buy items from them or is there another way that you can help? The normal family often doesn't know how they can make a large impact on their local community. There are three ways your family can help support local businesses:
#1 - Shop at local businesses and spend your money in your local economy
#2- Give back by being a part of one of these three:
* Volunteering for organizations as an individual
* Being on a committee/team with other members of the community
* Participating in civic engagement events such as blood drives, taking part in local government efforts (voting), joining neighborhood associations, or being active in local politics
#3- Share the love by telling your friends about local businesses too!
* Have a party? Have guests shop local. Then, ask them to bring their gifts from local stores, such as small items or food/drink that can be used at the party.
How to shop local?
Local shopping is a great way to support new jobs and local economies. When you buy from local businesses, the money will stay in your community and help create more local jobs. How do you shop locally?
Here are some tips:
1) Find businesses that excite you
2) Support stores with discounts or deals
3) Visit websites for reviews on products and local businesses
4) Keep local money local
5) Visit local events, like festivals and farmers markets
6) Check out the WithYou app!
Just type in "buy local" into google or yelp to see all the businesses in your area that are locally owned. You can buy clothes (like athletic shoes and local t-shirts), local art, flowers for your home or garden, or food. You can also visit local businesses if you want to support jobs in your community.
How do you find businesses that need help or are struggling?
How do you find local businesses that are struggling or need help? There are many websites and local magazines to use as guides. Sometimes it can be hard to find mom-and-pop stores instead of big-box retailers, but local business organizations can help.
There is a local newspaper in most major cities, or you could try local websites like The Daily Herald or NCTV17. These media outlets can give you some guidance on nearby businesses that are new. There are other apps, like WithYou, that can help you find small local businesses that may be having a great deal!
Some small businesses may be struggling and could use your help. During holiday seasons (or local events), local businesses may be short on cash flow or sales. Contact local owners to ask how you can help out or support local jobs. Try to buy gifts from local stores to help support them too!
How to find local shops?
Sometimes local mom-and-pop shops can be hard to find. They may be hiding in local neighborhoods or small local businesses clusters.
You may have a lot of questions about local shopping, and if so it's good to ask local business owners. Local retailers will also have their own website for you to visit. Local businesses are often listed with directories like Yelp or Google as well - you can often find them by just searching online.
Most important: Be nice to the staff and owners when you visit! Remember that they are people who are your neighbors and members of your community. Also, we often forget this but many small businesses may not have a lot of money or employees so it can be really helpful when you send them a compliment or thank-you message!
They Need Your Help
If you are looking to support local businesses, be sure to shop there when you can. Shopping local can help create jobs and keep money in your local economy by supporting local business owners. Keep in mind that local business owners may not have a lot of money to advertise, so support local businesses by shopping at local stores or events.
If you want to find a particular store or need guidance on where to go shopping for what, there are many ways of finding them: from the internet (local websites), directories like Yelp or Google. The WithYou app is also a great place to start! There are new offers uploaded weekly from all your favorites local shops. All these tips will ensure that when you buy something new it's coming from someone who lives near you!
