Buy Local is a Two-Way Street

In talking to retailers, I constantly hear how local residents don’t support their small businesses. “Don’t they realize that we aren’t going to be here if they continue to shop at the big-box stores?” the business owners lament. Retailers complain that the residents want a unique downtown with atmosphere and cute shops, but they do nothing to keep that alive.

As true as that may be, buying local and supporting your community is a two-way street. Yes, in order to have a vibrant, wonderfully unique town with indie shops and chic eateries, the residents need to support those businesses. But, if you want your town and residents to support you, you need to support them as well. That means getting involved. How many of you close down during a festival, or don’t belong to your chamber of commerce? What about participating in school fund-raisers? Do you turn down high-school students when they ask if they can use your parking lot for a car wash? I know many of you have Buy Local signs in your window. Do you also have a poster for the school play? Do you hand out flyers for the town parade?

If you want to be part of a thriving community, you need to go beyond your business doors. Let the high-school students paint your windows for homecoming (it’s only for a few days). Sponsor a float in a parade, or create a crazy character that represents your business and have that person show up at events or festivals. Involve local celebrities in your events; invite the beloved kindergarten teacher to read Christmas stories at your open house, or have the mayor judge a pet dress-up contest. Involve yourself in the chamber of commerce or merchants association; actually go to the networking events and meet new people.

A strong town is a collection of the residents and businesses combined. Both should work together for the betterment of all. When a business participates in local events, the community recognizes the business and becomes more connected to it. Eventually, the business seems like an old friend, and who wouldn’t want to do business with an old friend? Businesses participate in local events because they believe in and love being part of the community, and townsfolk are willing to spread a little love to those businesses that keep the love flowing. So, remember that in order for residents to support your business, you need to support those residents as well.