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Sometimes it’s hard to avoid spending money at large chains, as they often offer attractive deals and then there’s the fact that many big chains are conveniently on your doorstep. But, when you’re presented with the choice, why should you choose to shop locally? The Hog’s Head Inn, a dog friendly hotel in Alnwick, tells us why giving your cash to smaller businesses is the way forward.
Personalised experience
If you care about receiving tailored customer service, you might find that shopping locally is best.
Many corporate chains decorate all their branches in the same way and use the same promotional materials. Compare this with a local business, and you’ll probably discover that the décor reflects the character of the area and the marketing materials are tailored to the customers it serves.
When it comes to pubs, it’s fair to say that often, the pub owners are local people themselves. This means that they can often bring a more personalised touch to the customer service they offer and connect more with their visitors.
These localised touches help better meet the needs of customers too. If there is an event being held in the area, for example, it’s likely that the business will become part of it — perhaps by offering complementary products or creating an offer that fits in with the occasion.
It’s better for the environment
When you shop at a local pub, bakers, market or farm shop, it’s more than likely that the produce you’re consuming is locally sourced. Corporate companies often own a few farms or production plants around the country. As all products must be transported from here, this journey can cause a loss in nutrients too. They’re then also heavily packaged in plastics to ensure a safe transportation — different to locally sourced goods.
Improving the local economy
You might not think that your personal spending can benefit the wider community, but this is where you’re wrong. In fact, research has shown that spending just £10 with a local independent shop can equate to an additional £50 into the economy. This is because local business owners put the money back into the community through spending themselves at local services.
It’s important to support small businesses in your area, as they can bring many jobs to your city or town. The more that they can grow, the more jobs that they can offer too. Statistics showed that if 50% of the small businesses that are currently trading were able to take on one more person in the next 12 months, there would be more than two million new jobs created! As you will know, the more people that are employed in your area results in more money being pushed into the local economy and then invested in you!
Better deals
Local and smaller businesses may have more flexibility to offer discounts or rewards to regular customers. You might find that your local baker gives you a few extra buns here and there, or your local farm shop offers you an exclusive deal for being a loyal customer.
As you build relationships with local shop owners, they may let you know about upcoming offers or recommend products and services based on what you usually buy. This sort of rapport can be harder to develop with a large national chain.
From supporting your local economy to discovering special deals, there are many advantages to shopping locally. When you have the choice, consider spending your money at a smaller business and enjoying the benefits!
Also read: High Street Retailers Continue to Face Difficulties
Image source: elements.envato.com
Sources
https://ascendancy.agency/category/blog/
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/dec/06/shop-locally-small-business-saturday-seven-reasons
