Supporting Your Local Economy – Shopping Small and Big & Being Mindful Where you Spend $
This is another topic I am so passionate about. Even more so that I left the corporate world and work for a locally owned yoga studio and now own my own small business. I always take pride that I do my fair share to keep the economy going on the retail front.
1) Shopping & Supporting Small – This can be done locally and online (via Etsy). Obviously, yes go support my little business but be mindful how you spend your dollar. I may go to Costco and buy in bulk but then I run right to my local health food store and spend more there. I may be able to get the items on Amazon but most local places will price match or provide a discount to maintain your business. Lord knows Amazon is making more than enough $$. Support your local businesses. Encourage your friends to do the same. Going to a locally owned yoga studio is one example of supporting business that in turn is giving back to the community by employing others and paying local taxes.
2) Shopping & Supporting Big – If you are ordering something online from Jcrew, Banana Republic, Pottery Barn, Lululemon or any other chain that has a brick and mortar store in your neighbor – consider calling them and asking if they will place the order online through their system. The product still shows up in your mailbox but the store gets the credit for the sale. This ensures healthy balance sheets that allow the store to remain open and employ people and pay their rent for their commercial property. If you want other amazing stores to pop up in your neighborhood, make sure you are supporting the ones that are already there. What most people don’t realize here is that your local big chain stores can be negatively impacted by your returns. And same goes for chain gyms – These may have a corporate headquarter somewhere, but most of them are franchises owned by someone in your neighborhood who once again is paying rent for commercial space, paying local taxes, and employing other people.
3) Supporting Stella & Dot, Rodan + Fields, 31, Beautycounter, DoTerra, Young Living, LulaRo etc – These companies may be multi-level marketing, but I have grown very fond of what these businesses have allowed many SAHMs or other women who need a 2nd source of income to support their families. These women in turn are definitely spending their own money in your local communities (dance lessons, yoga classes, supporting local coffee shops, etc). Most of these companies have amazing products otherwise they wouldn’t be so successful. Support your friend, host a girls night/sip-n-shop for them at your house. Even a simple comment or like of their business posts is a kind gesture that is much appreciated.
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