WHY SHOP LOCALLY?
Here are ten great reasons to say "Got It! In the neighborhood."
- Keep money local (Ka-ching!) For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 goes back into the community and our tax base. For every $100 spent at a chain store, only $14 comes back. Independent businesses support other independent businesses - critical for an active local economy.
- It's real In this world of make-believe Main Streets, we have the real thing: one-of-a-kind independent businesses in Cleveland neighborhood retail districts!
- Good jobs According to the Small Business Administration, independent businesses are one of the largest employers nationally and in some sectors, provide better wages and benefits for Cleveland residents than chains do.
- Smart growth Local stores help to sustain vibrant, compact, walkable districts, that in turn help reduce congestion, pollution and loss of greenspace.
- Community roots Neighborhood businesses are owned by people who live here, work here, have families here and care about Cleveland's future.
- Healthy competition Local businesses can quickly respond to changing market conditions and create innovative products and services to meet demand.
- Entrepreneurship Independent businesses fuel economic growth and enable citizens to move out of low wage jobs into a stable financial future.
- It's unique Independent retailers select products based on their own interests and the needs of their customers, and not that of a national corporate sales headquarters.
- Charity begins at home Neighborhood businesses generously support local nonprofits - an average of 350% more than non-locally owned businesses.
- The personal touch In an age of chain stores that are the same no matter where you go, local retailers add personal service and familiarity that tells you that your purchase counts.
