By Kate Scriven
The holiday season is upon us. During this time of year, we hear a lot about “Shop Local – Buy Local – Be Local.” Supporting small business owners not only creates a stronger economy, but creates community. A dollar spent at a local business instead of a “big box” store goes beyond helping one individual store. It creates connection between neighbors and bolsters our local economy.
The American Independent Business Alliance sites that “independent retailers return [to the local economy] more than three times as much money per dollar in sales than chain competitors.” This infusion into our community creates jobs, fills storefronts, and brings shoppers to independent retail cores. The impact of local dollars divides into three categories:
- Direct Impact – the money spent by small businesses to run their operations
- Indirect Impact – the re-circulating of dollars local businesses spend at other local businesses
- Induced Impact – the additional spending by business owners and employees when they spend their income locally
- Source: The Multiplier Effect of Local Independent Businesses, amiba.net
Shopping locally generates all of these impacts. I spoke with four local business owners about why they choose to shop locally and their answers show not only their commitment to fellow business owners, but their understanding that supporting one another builds community.
Amy Evans – Bon Lemon
“I shop locally, because I know what a difference it makes when someone supports my shop. It means I can have a delicious lunch, grab a latte, or pick up a cute new dress. I want Christian at Iron Rabbit, Deborah at Jinjor, Cyndi at The Filling Station, or any of my local business owner friends to be able to do the same.”
Evans connects dollars spent in her West Olympia boutique with her ability to shop at other local merchants. Without dollars coming in, they cannot go out.
“Additionally, as a philanthropist,” Evans continues, “I know local businesses are the ones at our charity auctions and the first to raise their hand to donate to our non-profits. This commitment furthers my resolve to spend my dollars locally.”
Many of us relate, having been delighted when a local business owner simply hands over a gift certificate, pair of earrings, or pound of coffee with a smile when we ask for a donation to benefit an important cause.
“Sometimes, I would rather shop online in bed at ten at night,” admits Evans. “But then I think about a town with empty storefronts and a community without entrepreneurs. I shop local, because it makes a difference, and I like things a little different.”
Lara Anderson – Red Door Interiors
Lara Anderson is the creative mind behind Red Door Interiors unique and well-priced home décor and accessories. The shop, like many, has felt the economic pinch of this year. “In March, I wasn’t sure if Red Door was going to be able to keep our doors open. We, along with many other downtown businesses were seeing big decreases in sales. Instead of locking the door and giving up, I got informed and engaged.”
By working together with other small business owners, supporting each other, Red Door Interiors is doing well as they head into the holidays thanks to a commitment by the community, and other business owners, to shop local.
“Why do I shop downtown? First, I love the aesthetic of our downtown. The beautiful old buildings that each tell a story about our city’s history. I love the subtle bay breeze that sends hints of our beautiful waterfront that hugs our unique downtown,” says Anderson.
“When I am downtown, I feel a sense of community pride because I know that the money I spend will go directly into this beautiful city,” she continues. “Finally, I shop downtown because I find the most unique items from jewelry and fragrances to furniture and art. These items are often one of a kind and I know that the shop merchants tirelessly hunt for unique products that you can’t pick up at the mall or at big box stores.”
Christian Skillings – Iron Rabbit Restaurant
Shopping local isn’t confined to retail. Iron Rabbit Restaurant is an example of a locally owned eatery supporting local food growers, and retailers, too. Owner Christian Skillings knows that there is an essence in something crafted and sold locally that you don’t get elsewhere.
“When it comes to shopping locally, I know it’s often simple. Locally grown, prepared, made, constructed, served, owned – it just tastes better. It’s made by people who get our community, listen to our community, and engage in our community,” explains Skillings. “Olympia is a beautiful, diverse place with so much passion and strength in its abundance of perspectives. It is these intangibles, our eclectic blend, that makes up the heart of where we are and who we are, from our youngest children to our elders. Local gets it more, and I always want the unique perspective – the story, the history, the reasons why something is made.”
Trisha Claridge – Woodshed Furniture
After 30 years in business locally, the Claridge family, and current owner Trisha Claridge, understand the impact of shopping locally on the greater community. In fact, they have fostered strong partnerships with other local shops, building a network of support and customer referral.
“We like to shop at local, family owned businesses like ours,” shares Claridge. “We know how hard the owners work and want to support them any way we can. You can always count on great customer service and their knowledge of what they sell is excellent. I know when I shop in a locally-owned store I’ll get the best information and knowledge about what I want, not just what they are trying to sell that week.”
Her commitment is demonstrated with a long-standing partnership with Desco Audio and Video. “We refer customers purchasing entertainment furniture to them and they likewise send new TV or stereo buyers to us to complete their media rooms. It’s a partnership that enriches both our businesses and puts our dollars back into a local family.”
“Buy Local” may be a slogan seen on bumper stickers and t-shirts. But to these local business owners, supporting each other is simply part of the who they are and what their businesses stand for.
Support your local small businesses throughout the year.
