Benefits of Shopping Locally

Five Benefits of Shopping Locally this Holiday Season

By: Ashley Miller, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

After months of uncertainty and ongoing changes in consumer behavior, retailers and brands across the Top of Virginia are pivoting their businesses for a holiday season that looks to be quite different. A recent poll by VISA indicates that 86% of American shoppers are planning to shop small to medium sized businesses for all their holiday needs. Here are five ways consumers and small businesses can benefit from shopping locally this holiday season and throughout the year. First, local businesses create the majority of economic growth, employing 58.9 million people, according to the 2018 United Sates Small Business Economic Profile, by the Small Business

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Solenberger’ s True Value Hardware remained open for business as an essential business amid COVID-19 Administration (SBA). Local and small businesses add to the diversity of products and services available in our communities, while shopping at small to medium sized businesses also provides local expertise about items within your geographic area. For example, a local Christmas tree farm can tell you which tree best suits your needs on a more personalized level. Small businesses create a sense of community. You’re more like to get to know, like and trust a small business who has a strong desire to see their community prosper. And, lastly, shopping small just makes you feel good! Remember, to shop small and make a big difference in the TOV this holiday season.