Think about your surrounding areas or even places you’ve gone on vacation. What makes them special? The Toys “R” Us? The Walmart? The Target?
No.
While those stores are good for getting what you need and they often can contact one another if something is out of stock, they don’t make an indelible impression on you because they’re all the same. The layouts are often the same or very similar. They sell the same items at almost the same price.
Your local businesses, on the other hand, offer a unique shopping experience. They give the community flavor and further its reputation.
3 Ways Local Businesses Spice Up Your Community
They further its reputation.
Towns like Austin and Portland are known for being “weird.” West Palm Beach is awash in luxury. These reputations are furthered by local businesses. These towns didn’t earn these names through chains. Local businesses fuel these reputations.
They attract visitors.
If your town doesn’t have a large shopping center, you might drive to one a couple of towns over. But it would never cause you to spend the weekend. Unique small businesses and dining draw visitors who stay more than a few hours. A charming downtown of unique stores can boost the local economy in a major way when people come to your town for the shopping, dining, or unique entertainment options.
They make customers feel unique.
In a cookie-cutter world there are still some people who want to feel like they are one-of-a-kind. Small businesses help with this. They offer clothes, decor, and other items that make an impression. How often do you wear something and someone knows exactly where you purchased it because they have it too? When you buy from small businesses their items are less often seen and people will stop you and wonder where you got it. Products from small businesses feel much more distinguished.
What’s your favorite local store and what does it bring to your community?
