10 REASONS TO SHOP LOCAL

Money spent at local businesses is reinvested in your community, creating economic vitality and helping the community maintain its unique appeal.

1. MORE MONEY RECIRCULATES IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY

When you shop at locally owned businesses, more money stays in the community because local businesses frequently purchase from other local businesses. Purchasing local goods and services helps grow the local tax base as well as area businesses.

2. UNIQUE BUSINESSES CREATE CHARACTER AND PROSPERITY

The distinctive character of Santa Cruz County is what brought us here and keeps us here. Independent and locally owned businesses are an integral part of the uniqueness of our area.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IS REDUCED

Local businesses purchase more of their inventory from other local businesses and require less transportation. They are usually located in the town or city center rather than the outskirts. This reduces urban sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

4. MOST NEW JOBS ARE PROVIDED BY LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES

Small, locally owned businesses employ more people in the U.S. than large businesses.

5. NONPROFITS RECEIVE GREATER SUPPORT

Local business owners donate more to local charities than national chains.

6. CUSTOMER SERVICE IS BETTER

Local businesses often hire people with more specialized product or service expertise. Local business owners and employees live in our local neighborhoods and create a more personal shopping experience.

7. LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS INVEST IN COMMUNITY

Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the city’s future.

8. PUBLIC BENEFITS FAR OUTWEIGH PUBLIC COSTS

Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and utilize public services more efficiently than chain stores.

9. COMPETITION AND DIVERSITY LEAD TO MORE AND BETTER CHOICES

A marketplace consisting of a number of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.

10. LOCALIZED ECONOMIES ATTRACT ENTREPRENEURISM AND A SKILLED WORKFORCE

Economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character