Should people support local businesses before the big corporations?

Question

I live in a town where, thankfully, many local businesses are still striving. Unfortunately we don't have that much money and, as they don't have the buying power of the big chains/supermarkets, things brought from the independant/small business tend to cost more.

Should I take the ethical line and shop locally, even if it's not financially prudent of me to do so I should I just stick to the big stores to save a few pence in the pound but helps keep small business alive?

Answer 1

Local vendors bring jobs into the community and usually invest in the local community. It's great to want to support local business, but you ultimately do what is financially sound.

Answer 2

I live in a small town also, and we try to shop locally as often as we can. There are times that we just can't, either becuase what we are looking for isn't available in our town, or because its just way to out of our price range. But on the local level, I have gotten my boss to join the Chamber of Commerce. There are alot of perks that go along with it and when you go to the meetings, you get a chance to meet other members and find out what they have to offer. If more people would join the local chapters and then try to have combined chapter meetings to network, then I believe the small town business can continue to thrive. But if you just give up and forget about those smaller businesses, than they will be gone before youknow it. And your granfchildren will never know what it was like to see or visit a candy store on the corner, or a barber shop, a local diner, hardware store, or a feed mill.
great question by the way !!!

Answer 3

I used to believe in supporting local businesses, but when the prices of the big box stores were so much lower, I had to start shopping there. The big corporations, stores, etc. are hiring local people and paying local taxes in most cases, so I still feel as if I am supporting local economy.

I am in the U.S. and our taxes, hiring, etc. may be different than in the U.S.

Answer 4

someone says they are selfish and go where things are cheaper for them! i don't see that as selfish but prudent, we all like to think we have a bargain but support the local businesses by all means if its not putting an extra couple of pounds on your bill but you have to be real with this the big boys will corner the market completely in the future

Answer 5

I try to shop locally & on recommendation, I don't believe you can beat recommendation, there are so many "cowboys" out there, it is very difficult to trust anyone. Even the Yellow pages, Thompsons etc have many many "cowboys" advertising, they only need one job and the advert is paid for.

Unfortunatley the big companies will triumph but I will keep the locals going, as long as they think it worth it.

Answer 6

Sadly the demise of the local shop is down to what is called progress, and progress we must follow, or be left behind in the insane world we live in. You can try to stop the express train of progress rushing towards you by buying locally. However, will eventually overtake you.

Answer 7

i try to do both. like you, i don't always have the money to shop at independent shops or farmers' markets, so what i do is that i buy the stuff where there is a real difference in quality (food mostly) at those places, and the rest, like cleaning and household stuff, at the chainstores. works for me. :-)

Answer 8

The big corp. will win either way. Hold out for the small guy.

Answer 9

Go for local....less food miles.

Answer 10

I am Selfish I will go wherever it is cheaper for me.