I swear I am not an extremist just passionate

First of all, let me explain where I am coming from on this. As I see it, thanks to stores like Wal-Mart we, as Americans, have become brainwashed about what we NEED. There is a huge difference between what we NEED versus what we WANT. And, frankly, places like Wal-Mart have made all of us feel like we need so much more than we do. It is no wonder we are in a mess with foreclosures and people in over there heads in credit card debt. Americans believe we NEED to have things that we don't really NEED, we merely WANT them. I can get everything I NEED within a 3 miles radius of my home. That includes schooling and doctors. Even without a vehicle or public transportation, I can get all of my (and my family's) NEEDS met. I realize that everyone is going to buy those WANTS too. My boys collect Star Wars Galactic Heroes and believe me you cannot find those anywhere within a 20 miles radius. Obviously, sometimes you have to shop somewhere else, but this is about being conscious about where you spend your money.  And about trying to spend it in locally owned, independent businesses when you can because it has an impact on your community. But, do people really understand the impact they have when they shop? I would say most don't so let me provide a few facts that demonstrate this impact. 

Let's aim to improve the economic health of our neighborhoods, our localities and our shopping corridors.

1. Shopping local creates jobs. Shops in your town create local employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local economy.
2. Local independent shops invest more in your communities. Local businesses are proportionally more generous in their support of local charities, schools, and community events. So supporting local shops means a financial contribution to your community.
3. Local shops sell great products at affordable prices. Some people get out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products available.
4. Shopping locally saves you time and money. You travel less, saving on time and fuel.
5. Shopping locally retains your communities. People don’t like losing shops and services in small towns but don’t equate this with how they spend their money.
6. Shopping locally retains your distinctiveness. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Local businesses respond more quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet changing population needs.
7. Shopping locally saves the environment. Local shops often stock a high percentage of locally sourced goods that do not require long-distance transportation, helping to reduce our global footprint.
8. Local shops are for everyone. Most people can get to their local shops easily. This is especially important for the elderly, young people and others who rely on public transportation.
9. Local shops value you more. Evidence from numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service.
10. Shopping local saves services. Private and public sector services cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, banks, restaurants and other businesses.

Consumers can pledge to Think, Shop, Buy, Local and commit to patronizing businesses near where they live and work. Local stores employ your neighbors, pay taxes that support your schools and improve your roads, and contribute to local non-profit groups.

Together we can strengthen relationships that improve our quality of life. So next time before you make a purchase, Think, Shop, Buy, Local.

Credit: Barbara Wold
Barbara Wold is an internationally known speaker and authority to the retail and consumer industries.  More than 40 years of firsthand retail experience in executive and sales management,marketing and repositioning have made Ms Wold as one of retail's most sought after speakers and consultants.  Ms Wold is an authority on building business through customer driven strategy and maximizing human assets.