There are so many advantages to shopping locally and supporting our local business. When you support local business, you are not only supporting the local economy and the employment of local people, you are also supporting the vitality of your local community in general.
Locals 4 Locals is a non for profit organization that was founded in 2011 by a man named Greg Jackson in an effort to support the thriving local business in Armidale. Concerns about the impact of online shopping and larger corporations choking small businesses drive Jackson and his associates to creating an organization that championed local business and local engagement.
Their motto, Locals 4 Locals looks to create a symbiotic and circular relationship between local businesses and local communities. The group’s members pledge their time to supporting local charities and events while encouraging people to ‘look for the stamp’ and shop locally.
Small and local businesses are the biggest employers in Australia and it seems only fitting to provide them with the support they need to continue to flourish.
So why shop locally?
There are many studies that indicate that shopping locally has major economic benefits for your community. When you spend $100 at a local business, on average 58% more of your money stays in your community. However, when shopping at multinational companies only $43 dollars per hundred dollars stay within the local economy.
Supporting smaller businesses and local business is important for sustaining a healthy local community. It will encourage the creation of long-term relationships and promote loyalty. Furthermore, as seen in Armidale, local communities support your community! They are often championing local charities and fundraisers allowing you to support your lifestyle. They have our region’s interests at heart!
What do you think of the Locals 4 Locals campaign? Is this campaign something that should be considered in the Toowoomba region?
